Optare unveils new look Solo midibus and launches concept double decker

A full mock-up of the Rapta was displayed with production to start in Blackburn in 2009

A full mock-up of the Rapta was displayed with production to start in Blackburn in 2009

AIM-listed bus manufacturer Optare took the wraps off the Rapta, its new concept integral double deck bus at the Euro Bus Expo show in Birmingham this week.

Although only a mock-up of the vehicle was on show, Optare believes that when production of the Rapta begins at its new plant in Blackburn next year it will be considerably lighter than its peers. With an unladen weight of 10,700kg it will be nearly 1,000kg lighter than its closest competitor resulting in a 5%  improvement in fuel...