News & Updates: Newsroom

RTA News

 

March 29, 2006

 

This release was issued today by the Optima Bus Corporaton

 

RTA and Optima Bus Corporation work together

to bring nostalgia and accessibility to Cleveland

 

WICHITA, KAN. - The Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Regional Transit Authority envisioned trolleys operating on the streets of downtown Cleveland. In this vision, the trolleys combined the nostalgic appeal of turn-of-the-century trolleys with the accessibility of a low-floor transit vehicle.

 

“The precise trolley that RTA envisioned did not exist in the industry. We needed the unique trolley look in a low-floor configuration,” said Joseph Calabrese, Chief Executive Officer, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Cleveland RTA. “Optima’s flexibility and willingness to work with us on this exciting venture resulting in them being very responsive to our solicitation. Optima was awarded this RFP based on their years of experience manufacturing high-floor trolleys, their reputation, their fine staff, and their willingness to think outside the box.”

 

The Greater Cleveland RTA chose the Optima Bus Corporation to design and manufacture 11 low-floor vehicles to turn its vision into reality. Optima combined the best aspects of its two product lines – the American Heritage Streetcar and Opus Low-floor Bus – to create the Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features.

 

“We wanted a unique and highly identifiable vehicle. The Trolleys [Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features] are certainly very identifiable and different from the other 700 buses we operate,” Calabrese said. “The image of the Trolleys is one of remembering happier times, and we believe people will really look forward to seeing them come down the street.”

 

The Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features embraces the nostalgic elements that have made the American Heritage Streetcar America’s most popular trolley. These elements include wood trim, mahogany wood seating, spiral brass handrails and stanchions, genuine leather hand straps, and an authentic trolley bell. In addition, it also incorporates the outstanding ridership appeal, durability, and reliability of the Opus Low-floor bus.

 

Greater Cleveland RTA will begin operating the much anticipated Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features on Monday, April 10, on two downtown fixed routes – the “E” or entertainment Trolley Route, will connect entertainment venues to major office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and a major university and the “B” or business Trolley Route, will connect the major business centers and government centers with restaurants, bars and two major downtown shopping malls. The fare to ride Greater Cleveland’s newest fleet addition, through the end of Labor Day, will be “Free, with a Smile.”

 

Although the Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features will not be placed in operation until mid-April, the citizens of Cleveland have had several opportunities to view the vehicles. They made an inaugural appearance in Cleveland’s large St. Patrick’s Day Parade and will be on the streets for the Cleveland Indians home opener on April 7.

 

“We believe that public transit everywhere needs to work on its image. Public transit can be fun, and we want to make it that way in Cleveland,” said Calabrese. “We have taken this trolley, simplified the routing, added an aggressive marketing plan, and chosen specially trained ‘Trolley Ambassadors’, in period uniforms, as operators. They are the best that we have. We expect this combination to stimulate increased ridership, and improve the image of transit in greater Cleveland.”

 

Those interested in having an up-close look at the Opus Low-floor Bus with Streetcar Features can view it at the APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference in Anaheim, Calif., on Monday, May 1.

 

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 180 Optima customers across the United States.

 

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

 

For more information about Optima Bus Corporation, the Opus low-floor bus, or the American Heritage Streetcar, contact Melissa Noftsger at (316) 779-7700, Ext. 330, or visit www.optimabus.com.

 

For more information about RTA, visit www.rideRTA.com. For media inquires only, contact Jerry Masek, 216-566-5211.