For Immediate Release

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

Utah Transit Authority receives final delivery of under-30-ft Opus low-floor buses

Wichita, KS – August 4, 2005 – Wichita, Kan. - Utah Transit Authority located in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently received the final delivery of an additional 18 under-30-ft, low-floor Opus buses that were ordered in March 2005. In 2004, UTA ordered 15 units and later exercised its option to order 18 more, which brings the transit authority's total Opus fleet to 33 buses.

John Inglish, Utah Transit Authority's General Manager, said, "We are pleased to add another product to UTA's line up of transit services to the public. The public, operator and maintenance staff are pleased with the purchase of these Opus 30-ft buses."

The buses are being used on downtown circulator routes and the passengers on these routes are excited about the futuristic-looking Opus buses. "Riders have raved about the buses," said Justin Jones, UTA spokesperson. "Including how roomy and bright the buses are and they love the paint scheme."

"From design and manufacturing to delivery and ongoing maintenance, Optima has been great to work with," said Jones. "Questions regarding the buses have been answered immediately and we have enjoyed our relationship with Optima."

Before ordering the Opus, the UTA evaluation team checked with several transit authorities currently operating the buses, and these authorities gave the Opus high remarks for performance reliability, and rider appeal. Jones said since taking delivery of the Opus, the bus has exceeded UTA's expectations.

Even UTA transit operators are thrilled about the functionality and operating ability of the Opus buses. The transit operators' have commented about several Opus features that they enjoy. Their comments included a tight turning radius; good maneuverability; exceptional air conditioning; a switch that enables the operator to turn the right bank of interior lights off at night (to reduce glare); a good driver's seat; the look of the bus; and the wheelchair securement devices are easy to use and accessible.