For Immediate Release

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

Chicago Transit Authority Awards $17 Million Contract to Optima Bus Corporation

Wichita, KS – September 14, 2005 – Wichita, Kan. - The Chicago Transit Authority announced today at the Chicago Transit Board meeting that it will award a contract valued at more than $17 million to Optima Bus Corporation. Optima will build 50 low-floor under-30' diesel Opus buses for CTA and the contract will include options for 75 additional buses.

"Optima Bus Corporation is excited about bringing the revolutionary Opus bus to Chicago," said Michael Monteferrante, Optima Bus Corporation's Chief Executive Officer. "CTA is the second largest transit agency in the nation, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with this influential transit agency."

Optima will build a CTA pilot Opus bus by May 2006. The modern, sleek look of the Opus will not be changed, but there are a number of Chicago-driven specials that CTA has requested.

Monteferrante also said that CTA has more than 4,500 transit vehicles, and Optima is proud to add the Opus bus to the CTA catalog of vehicles. In addition, Monteferrante believes that CTA will be impressed with Optima's flexibility and customer-first attitude.

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 Opus low-floor bus, or the American Heritage Streetcar, contact Steve Kratzer at (316) 779-7700 or visit www.optimabus.com.