New Solo stock arrives

Wednesday 19th September saw Metroline’s new slimline Optare Solo SRs enter service on the Hampstead Garden Suburb routes, H2 & H3. They have also become the company’s first “68” registered vehicles. Originally ordered for the contract which began in June, having been won from Arriva London (at Garston), the delivery date for the new vehicles slipped later and later.

 

In June Metroline had to hire the existing Arriva buses on loan and run a temporary schedule on the 631, the new vehicles on having a lower capacity requires an extra 631 trip to meet the existing.

 

The six Solos, OS2499-2504, are also unique in having LED destination screens as opposed to the standard roller blind system. Being the slimline version, the vehicles are too small to fit the smartblind units in, with LEDs being the only option. They also feature moquette fitted headrests, a luxury on the standard London bus!

Having arrived over the weekend of the 8-9th September, one Solo, OS2500, was readied to be taken to Metroline's Holloway Open Day on Saturday 15th as a special guest showing off the latest addition to the fleet. A suitable LED display was also drawn up for the occasion!

All six are now in service, however on Mondays to Fridays they are restricted to the H2. The Monday to Friday H3 has crosslinked trips in the morning and afternoon with the 631 school route. The new Solos have a slightly reduced capacity than the Arriva model, and such the "new" 631 requires additional trips to maintain the capacity. The "new" schedule is due to begin after the October half term when the last of the loaned Arriva Solos will be stood down, and the H2, H3 & 631 will be 100% converted to the new Solos fleet.

OS2502, OS2500, OS2499 & OS2501 lined up inside Cricklewood Garage, having had their LEDs updated.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/30723173428/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

OS2500 was one of the surprise guests at the Holloway Open Day, and even had an LED screen for it to match!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/43060554290/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

OS2502 & OS2504 at Golders Green on their first day in passenger service, on the H2 & H3.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/44780548041/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

OS2504 in Golders Green on the H3.
An Arriva Solo is still being used on this route due to the crosslinks with the 631, and school loading capacity concerns.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/30927474098/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

OS2501 in Golders Green on the H2.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/44772367092/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

OS2502 in the Garden Suburb on the H2 towards Golders Green.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/44882666781/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

 

OS2504 in the Garden Suburb on the H2 towards Golders Green.
Despite the concentration of housing, the area still retains a very village-like feeling.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/29945826197/in/photostream/
© Tommy Cooling

 

 

Post by Tommy Cooling

Some of these images and more can be found on my Flickr page:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/

Please do not reproduce any of my images without permission