For Immediate Release

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

Richland, Wash.; Galveston, Texas; and Breckenridge, Colo. purchase Opus low-floor buses from Optima Bus Corporation

Wichita, KS – January 26, 2004 – Optima Bus Corporation announces that several community transportation systems have recently taken delivery of both the under 30-ft. and under 35-ft. models of the company's popular Opus low-floor bus.

The Ben Franklin Transit Authority (BFTA) in Richland, Wash. took delivery of six under 30-ft. Opus low floor buses to serve in the metropolitan Tri-Cities area in Benton and Franklin Counties. "Every department in the organization had input on the decision to buy the Opus," says BFTA General Manager Tim Fredrickson. "Operations, maintenance people, mechanics, drivers — everyone was impressed with the new Opus from each of their unique perspectives." A BFTA board member who operates a vehicle repair facility was especially impressed with the Opus says Fredrickson. "He is impressed that though the Opus' modular aluminum construction was light-weight, it was very strong and, therefore safe," he says. "He said its modular construction also made it easier and less costly to repair than traditional buses."

The City of Galveston, TX, has expanded its fleet of Opus low floor buses to eight with the purchase of three under 35' units. "As a tourist destination," says Director of Transportation Wayne Cook, "we needed main trunk buses that could operate fully loaded day after day with a minimum of down time. The Opus is an attractive, efficient heavy-duty bus that is built to last. Adding three under 35-foot Opus units was an easy decision. They combine with the five under 30-ft. models to give us a lot of flexibility."

Popular ski and tourist destination Breckenridge, Colorado is another community that has chosen to add four more Opus low-floor buses after a positive initial experience with its first three units. Breckenridge Director of Transportation Jim Benkelman says the low-floor entrance is ideal for loading tired skiers with heavy-boots and a lot of equipment. And the Opus doesn't even "breathe hard" fully loaded with skiers and tourists despite that community's notorious mountain elevation and steep inclines. "There's always more than enough power to climb our steepest hills loaded to capacity with skiers and their equipment," says Benkelman. "Tourists, locals and business owners all appreciate that the Opus is a beautiful, comfortable bus. However, to those of us responsible for providing a viable public transportation system, the Opus' real beauty is on the bottom line."