For Immediate Release

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

Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority Awards Contact to Optima for 11 Opus Buses

Wichita, KS – October 18, 2005 – Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority located in Des Moines, Iowa, recently awarded a contract to Optima Bus Corporation for 11 under-30' Opus buses.

"Currently, we have ten Opus buses in service and wanted to try to keep things standardized," said Carol Pelfrey, Des Moines MTA Maintenance Manager. "We have had positive comments about the ride the Opus' provides, and expect the Opus to be a quality, 12 year tested, dependable vehicle that will provide daily service for at least 15 years."

The 11 Opus buses will be used for fixed route and paratransit service in Des Moines. The buses will be delivered to Des Moines in fall 2006.

Pelfrey also said that the Des Moines MTA evaluation team looked at all the proposals thoroughly, and chose to award the contract to Optima because of the transit property's positive experiences working with Optima.

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