For Immediate Release

For more information contact:
Steve Kratzer
Marketing and Business Development Representative
steve.kratzer@optimabus.com
316-779-7700 ext. 344

Greater Cleveland Transit Orders 11 Opus Buses with Trolley Features

Wichita, KS – September 20, 2004 – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority announced today at its Board of Trustees meeting that it will award a $3.5 million contract to Optima Bus Corporation for 11 Opus buses with trolley features, with the option for 6 more.

The Opus with trolley features introduces an extended product line for Optima, the option for a low-floor bus with the nostalgic look of a trolley. The sleek, modern design of the Opus will be transformed to include the aesthetic appeal of the American Heritage Streetcar, including wood trim, mahogany wood seating, and spiral brass handrails and stanchions.

Cleveland will use the Opus with trolley features to aid in the revitalization of the city's downtown area. Jane Campbell, Cleveland's Mayor, said that the changes to the city's downtown bus routes and the new buses will allow residents and tourist to travel to downtown Cleveland and have fun doing it.

"We're really excited. This is a great step forward for RTA and the downtown stakeholders," says Joe Marinucci, President and CEO of the Downtown Cleveland Partnership. "RTA's investment in trolleys provides us with a unique opportunity to improve the downtown community for employees, visitors, shoppers and residents, with a highly identifiable vehicle."

Production of Cleveland's Opus buses is scheduled to begin in early 2006 and the final delivery of the buses by spring 2006. The Opus with trolley features is available to order for interested transit properties.

Optima Bus Corporation "transit tough" products - the revolutionary-designed Opus low-floor bus and nostalgic American Heritage Streetcar - have lived-up to their reputations with more than 150 Optima customers across the United States. For more information about Optima Bus Corporation, the American Heritage Streetcar, or the Opus low-floor bus, contact Steve Kratzer at (316) 779-7700 or visit www.optimabus.com.