Arriva Malta has placed a £2 million order for 10 Solo hybrid buses with bus and coach manufacturer Optare. This is Optare’s first overseas order for hybrid buses.

The Solos are 28-seat, 8.8-metre models; Arriva has specified the 2.3-metre wide “Slim Line” model to cope more easily with local operating conditions including narrow streets. Their comprehensive specification includes air conditioning, LED destination equipment, and CCTV.

Diesel power will be provided by the Mercedes-Benz 904LA Euro 5 engine rated at 174 bhp. Electric power will come from the Siemens hybrid system, which uses ultra-capacitors.

The Arriva order will be the first hybrid to be supplied by Optare without government green bus fund subsidy.

Optare is an independent, Stock Exchange-listed company and has two manufacturing sites in the north of England.