For Immediate Release

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

The new hybrid-electric version of the Opus Low-Floor Bus From Optima Bus Corp. offers fuel efficiency, low emissions

Wichita, KS – February, 2005 – Optima Bus Corporation has announced the development of a hybrid-electric powered version of its popular Opus low-floor bus that is expected to deliver as much as 50 percent savings in fuel over the operational costs of traditionally powered buses. Because of the heightened fuel efficiency and the significantly lower emissions possible with hybrid technology, the company predicts that by 2009, hybrid bus sales could be 40 percent of Optima's total sales volume.

The first prototype of the hybrid-electric Opus is expected to be ready in May of 2005, after which, the company plans a tour of trade shows and demonstrations for transit organizations in cities throughout the country including the American Public Transit Association Expo in Dallas, Texas.

Optima will assemble the Opus hybrid-electric bus at its facilities in Wichita, Kan., using ten different subassemblies systems and software supplied by ISE Corp, a company known for its innovative hybrid power-plant technology. The highly fuel-efficient power plants will be available for both the under 30-ft. and under 35-ft. models of the Opus.

"Because emission standards will continue to tighten and fuel costs will continue to rise," says Optima Chief Executive Officer Michael Monteferrante, "it’s important that transit organizations of all sizes find ways to keep costs down without hindering the delivery of quality transportation services. The hybrid-electric powered Opus low-floor bus is the solution to both rising emission standards and rising fuel costs."

Hybrids also have the added advantage of quicker pickup than diesel engines because electricity provides instant torque, which translates into faster acceleration. Hybrids also operate more quietly inside and out, a feature that increases rider appeal.

Monteferrante says the company will begin demonstrations of the new environmentally friendly hybrid-powered Opus in California because that state’s emissions standards are among the most stringent anywhere. "Beginning the demonstration tour in California will allow us to prove that the Opus’ hybrid technology can easily meet the toughest emission standards in the country," he explains.

The Long Beach Transportation Department has operated a fleet of diesel-powered Opus low-floor buses since 2001. Guy Heston, assistant general manager for the Long Beach Transportation Department said, "We surveyed local riders, people who work in the downtown area, convention-goers, anyone whose opinion would help us determine the kind of service that was needed. Then we looked for a bus that matched the profile.

"The Opus fit all of our survey criteria, and then some," Heston said. Not surprisingly, the survey was a mirror image of the mass transit industry’s own White Book Specifications," he explained, "which is a list of features and specifications the industry considers ideal for the bus of tomorrow."