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 12 Opus Buses to Memphis Area Transit Authority

Wichita, KS – January 24, 2006 – Optima Bus Corporation delivered 12 under-30' low-floor Opus buses to the Memphis Area Transit Authority, located in Memphis, Tenn. The revolutionary designed Opus will be placed into service at MATA in mid-January 2006, and will operate demand-response and paratransit service.

"These buses will be used for MATA's demand-response paratransit service known as MATAPlus, which is used for service for persons with disabilities," said William Hudson Jr., MATA's President/General Manager. "The Opus will help MATA improve its service to disabled passengers."

The Opus, which can accommodate up to four wheelchair positions, is quickly becoming a popular paratransit bus with transit properties. In addition to MATA, other transit properties operating the Opus for paratransit service include Laketran, in Painesville, Ohio, and Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hudson also said that the Opus is a sturdy bus and the staff at MATA love the look of the futuristic Opus. In addition, Hudson said that every transit property he has spoken with about the Opus has had nothing but praise for the bus, which influenced MATA's decision to purchase from Optima.

Optima Bus Corporation "transit tough" products - the revolutionary-designed Opus low-floor bus and nostalgic American Heritage Streetcar - have lived-up to their reputations with more than 175 Optima customers across the United States. For more information about Optima Bus Corporation, the Opus low-floor bus, or the American Heritage Streetcar, contact Melissa Noftsger at (316) 779-7700 or visit www.optimabus.com.