For Immediate Release

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

Optima Bus is Awarded Largest 30' Bus Contract in the History of the North American Transit Industry

Wichita, KS – April 26, 2006 – Miami-Dade Transit announced that the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to award Optima Bus Corporation a five year contract valued at approximately $178 million.

Optima Bus Corporation will manufacture 300 Opus Low-floor buses for Miami-Dade Transit and the contract includes options for an additional 300 buses. According to the American Public Transportation Association, this contract represents the largest procurement of 30' transit buses in the history of the North American transit industry.

"Everyone at Optima Bus Corporation has worked hard to ensure the success of this award," said Michael Monteferrante, Chief Executive Officer of Optima Bus Corporation. "The award of this contract to Optima Bus Corporation represents a new era for the company and Miami-Dade Transit."

The Opus Low-floor Bus is recognized throughout the transit industry for its modern, sleek design. By winning this contract, the Opus will take on a new, even more distinctive look with a streamlined appearance as stipulated by Miami-Dade Transit.

"The appearance of the bus requested by Miami-Dade Transit is completely new and fresh," Monteferrante said. "The Opus already had the reputation of having a futuristic appearance, and this new look will be something that the transit industry has never seen before."

Delivery of these buses will begin in October 2006, with 115 buses being delivered by the end of March 2007. The pilot bus will be completed July 31, 2006.

For information on open positions at Optima Bus Corporation, interested candidates can call the Optima Job Line at (316) 201-1654.

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 180 Optima customers across the United States. For more information about Optima Bus Corporation, the Opus low-floor bus, or the American Heritage Streetcar, contact Melissa Noftsger at (316) 779-7700 or visit www.optimabus.com.