In 2012 Padbus won a contract to provide a courtesy bus service in the grounds of a local stately home. The contact specified a vehicle similar to the tourist trolleys found in many cities in America. However, it also had to be wheelchair accessible and low entry. Finding no suitable vehicle on the UK market, Padbus Engineering Services Technical Solutions set to work on a used Optare Solo and produced the vehicle shown here. A fully open vehicle was not possible because of the need to maintain structural rigidity. There is, therefore, a substantial frame and a cantrail but these also support the retractable canvas screen which provides shade from the strong Oxfordshire sunshine.
Modified Corgi diecast.