For Immediate Release

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

Knoxville orders nine more Opus low-floor buses from Optima

Wichita, KS – October 31, 2003 – Optima Bus Corporation, which is headquartered here, announced today that Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) has purchased nine additional Opus buses after recently adding 11 units of the popular bus to its fleet.

The Opus buses service both the city and the University of Tennesse campus. KAT has 3 million passengers in its system. Their new Opus buses are custom painted solid orange or teal to match KAT's existing fleet.

"Our mechanics are very pleased with the Opus. It's the highest quality bus I've experienced in the industry," says Barry Greenburg, director of maintenance for KAT. "And Optima's customer support after the sale is beyond exceptional. It's amazing how each person we deal with there takes personal responsibility in our business relationship. We really feel like Optima is our partner."

Similarly, early in November the Williamsport Bureau of Transportation in Williamsport, Pennsylvania will take delivery of two additional Opus buses for its fleet.

"Having repeat customers means a great deal to us," says Diane Hawkins, marketing and sales manager for Optima. "We truly value the relationships we continue to build across the nation. Our customer service efforts are apparent every step of the way — from purchase to post-delivery. Our customers value Optima not just for our state-of-the-art transit solutions, but also for our people and the strong relationships we forge."