For Immediate Release

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

Wichita Transit, Reno County Area Transit and Optima Bus Corp. 'Stuff the Bus' for Local Charities

Wichita, KS – December 15, 2004 – The City of Wichita/Wichita Transit, Reno County Area Transit, Hutchinson, KS, (RCAT) and Optima Bus Corporation teamed up with Wichita radio station B98-FM to Stuff the Bus, a joint effort to help Santa provide for families in need this holiday season and throughout the year.

Two buses stopped at 35 different locations in Wichita and Hutchinson Dec. 1-3, 2005, collecting gifts donated from local businesses, schools, retail stores, and individuals. The gifts that people loaded onto the buses included toys, clothing, non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to benefit the Catholic Charities Harbor House (Wichita), the YWCA Women's Crisis Center (Wichita) and the Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Center (Hutchinson). In 2004, Stuff the Bus was expanded to include the Hutchinson area and the shelter there.

During the three-day period the Stuff the Bus event received more than 7 1/2 bus-loads of items for the shelters and raised $1,500 in cash donations. Wichita Transit General Manager Jay Banasiak says, "This is the eighth year Wichita Transit has helped out with this event and it has grown tremendously over the years. That's what it is all about - helping out your local community. It's a fantastic project and all of us at the Wichita Transit are proud to help our Stuff the Bus partners, B-98FM, RACT and Optima Bus Corp."

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 175 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.