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 Streetcars to VIA Metropolitan Transit

Wichita, KS – November 22, 2005 – Optima Bus Corporation delivered 14 propane-fueled American Heritage Streetcars to VIA Metropolitan Transit, located in San Antonio, Texas. VIA was the first transit agency to purchase nostalgic, turn-of-the-century streetcars from Optima more than 20 years ago.

"The first [Optima manufactured] streetcars were delivered to the people of San Antonio, Texas, in 1983, and have been in continuous operation since that time," said Priscilla Ingle, VIA spokesperson. "They have become a major part of the downtown landscape."

VIA's original streetcars were the popular open-aired Alamo City Streetcar, which Optima manufactured until 1993. Due to changing ADA regulations, Optima replaced the Alamo City Streetcar with the totally-enclosed American Heritage Streetcar.

"We only recently retired those first streetcars and upgraded our streetcar fleet with beautiful new propane-fueled American Heritage Streetcars," said Ingle. "We are proud of the fact that the America's enthusiasm for Optima's turn-of-the-century streetcars began right here in San Antonio more than two decades ago."

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