For Immediate Release

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

Optima Bus Corporation Delivers Four Opus Buses to the Regional Transportation Commission in Reno, Nevada

Wichita, KS – October 2, 2003 – Optima Bus Corporation announced today that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, Nevada recently purchased and accepted delivery of four new 30-ft. Opus buses. According to Optima CEO Michael Monteferrante, the new buses were purchased to spearhead Reno's downtown service named the "Sierra Spirit" which completely circles the heart of Reno. All four Opus buses will make their debut on Oct.3rd at a public recognition ceremony for Citifare's 25th anniversary.

With an innovative style that incorporates advanced European technology, the Opus low-floor bus is turning heads in the industry and setting new standards among manufacturers. Through Optima's high-tech paint facility, the exterior of the RTC buses have been painted cream yellow and are adorned with flowing pinwheel graphics to give them a great finished look and appeal. With colorful interior paint, bright yellow stanchions and designer seating, the inside of the Opus's are just as custom as the outside.

"We really wanted an unusual looking bus that would invite, intrigue, and hopefully increase ridership on our new but already popular Sierra Spirit service route," said RTC Marketing and Communications Director Nancy Pearl, "the large windows and futuristic look coupled with a colorful interior and exterior made the Opus a perfect fit."

The Opus, available in an under 30-ft. model and an under 35-ft. model is manufactured at Optima's 124,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Wichita, Kansas and utilizes the Wright Aluminique™ modular bolted aluminum system, which combines structural strength with low overall weight. Anchored by a heavy duty chassis fabricated on-site at Optima and powered by a fuel-efficient, low-emission Cummins ISB02 engine and an Allison transmission, the Opus is both powerful and dependable.