For Immediate Release

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

Dayton, Lancaster, Fresno order Optima streetcars

Wichita, KS – August 9, 2005 – Transit Authorities in three communities ordered a total of six streetcars from Optima Bus Corp. Total value of the orders is $1.8 million.

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority in Dayton, Ohio, ordered four of Optima's American Heritage Streetcars to replace four of its 1992 Alamo City Streetcars, which were built by Optima.

"We don't make the Alamo Streetcar anymore because it's not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant," says Michael Monteferrante, Optima CEO. "Transit authorities are allowed to use those from a grandfathering perspective, but when you buy a new trolley, you have to be ADA compliant."

Red Rose Transit Authority in Lancaster, Pa., and Fresno Area Express in Fresno, Calif., each ordered one American Heritage Streetcar to add to their existing fleets.

Dayton uses the streetcars on fixed service routes and special event services. Lancaster's streetcars are part of that city's downtown revitalization project.

Fresno officials say they are adding a streetcar to meet demand for its dedicated streetcar routes.

By Ken Vandruff from the Wichita Business Journal