Damory invests in Solos

Damory has invested in five new Optare Solos for its Dorset services. The buses are the first to feature lighter floor colours, after Damory teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Society to make its buses dementia friendly. Dorset County Council and the operator formally launched the new buses at a special event at County Hall in Dorchester. They are operating across Damory’s 1, 2, 101 Dorchester, R71 Lyme Regis and R40 Bridport routes. The announcement follows the launch of the operator’s refurbished X11 fleet.

MD of Go South Coast (part of Damory’s parent company, Go-Ahead), Andrew Wickham, said, ‘Buses in Dorset, particularly across rural areas of the county, are an essential method of travel for many. I am delighted that we have been able to invest £0.5m in our fleet here. These new buses are set to deliver exceptional performance, as well as offering environmental benefits – including lower emissions. We would not have been able to embark on this commercial venture if it weren’t for the continued support of Dorset County Council. It’s a tremendous sign that people in the region value the services we offer here. Many of those with the disease are uneasy about crossing darker floors – fearing them to be like “black holes”. We wanted to make our buses more accessible for all – and this was one aspect of that.’