For Immediate Release

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

Berks Area-Reading Transportation Authority, Reading, Penn., receives another five Optima under-35-ft. Opus Low-Floor buses; Wilmington, N.C. receives two American Heritage Streetcars

Wichita, KS – May 10, 2004 – Optima Bus Corporation announced today that the Berks Area-Reading Transportation Authority (BARTA) in Reading, Penn. has received five under-35-ft. Opus low-floor buses and the city of Wilmington, N.C. has received two American Heritage Streetcars.

David Kilmer, assistant executive director and chief administrative officer for the Berks Area-Reading Transportation Authority says that BARTA's first five Opus low-floor buses have made such a good impression on drivers and passengers, it was logical to buy five more. "Everyone likes the Opus," says Kilmer. "The drivers like the way the entire operator's station can adjust to fit any person operating the bus."

People who ride the bus also like the Opus, says Kilmer. "It's easy to board which is especially appreciated by elderly and handicapped passengers," explains Kilmer.

Feedback from passengers indicate that they appreciate the Opus' modern design and its large windows. "People like to see into a bus before they get on," says Kilmer. "The Opus' large windows make it transparent whether you are on board looking out, or looking into the bus before you enter the bus."

Having recently visited Optima's new factory, Kilmer says he is impressed with the quality that goes into each step of the manufacturing process. "Optima is ISO 9001:2000 certified," says Kilmer, "which just underlines the quality of Optima products."

Optima officials also announced the sale of two American Heritage Streetcars to Wilmington Transit Authority (WAVE) in Wilmington, North Carolina. According to WAVE Transit Director Albert Eby, since the city introduced a free trolley service in July of 2001, the service has grown in popularity among local residents and tourists alike. "The trolley service has been so well received, we decided it was time that Wilmington stop leasing them and buy our own. Local residents like its convenience and tourists appreciate that the drivers will point out historical sites and points of interest along the way."