For Immediate Release

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

Downtown revitalization projects drive American Heritage Streetcar purchases

Wichita, KS – October 31, 2003 – Optima Bus Corporation announced today it has received seven orders for the American Heritage Streetcar.

In addition, Optima delivered six Streetcars to Monterey-Salinas Transit Authority in Monterey, California.

Cities that ordered Streetcars include: Dubuque, Iowa; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; South Bend, Indiana; and Owensboro, Kentucky.

Dubuque, Iowa, is revitalizing its downtown area and improving its transportation system as part of a $188 million effort called America’s River Project at the Port of Dubuque. Their two new Streetcars for Keyline Transit will service nearly 400,000 passengers who are expected to frequent concerts, conferences, museums and casinos in the downtown and Port of Dubuque area.

“The nostalgic appeal of the Streetcar is in its quality craftsmenship and fine attention to interior details,” says Mark Munson, transit manager for Keyline Transit. “We feel the Streetcars are a major part of the success of our downtown revitalization efforts. We want to remind visitors of our city’s beloved past, and what better way to do that then with American Heritage Streetcars.”

Similarly, Red Rose Transit Authority in Lancaster, Pennsylvania made its fourth purchase from Optima. Like Dubuque, Lancaster’s two new Streetcars will be used for a downtown revitalization project. Expecting a dramatic increase in attendance, Red Rose will mainly use the Streetcars to shuttle passengers to the local baseball stadium and convention center. They will also transport wedding parties and parade participants.

South Bend Public Transportation Corporation in South Bend, Indiana, has purchased two Streetcars. Owensboro, Kentucky has added one American Heritage Streetcar to the city’s fleet. It purchased its first Optima transit product nearly 15 years ago.

“We’re excited the Streetcar can be used to further enhance the historic experience of these cities across the nation,” says Michael Monteferrante, chief executive office of Optima. “When passengers step aboard, we want the look and feel of the trolley to transport them to the turn of the century — building a true connection between the present and the past.”

The new Streetcars for the Monterey-Salinas Transit Authority will be used seasonly from Memorial Day to Labor Day as part of the WAVE service that runs from downtown through sites including Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Streetcars will also service neighborhood routes on a year-round basis.