METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Optima receives first hybrid low-floor bus order

Production of first hybrid-electric Opus to begin after Altoona Testing is completed.

May 18, 2006
Optima receives first hybrid low-floor bus order

 

1 min to read


The Town of Avon Transit, located in Avon, Colo., awarded Optima Bus Corp. with its first contract for the Opus ISE Series Hybrid Low-Floor Bus. The contract is valued at approximately $7.5 million. The contract with Avon includes a base order of up to five Opus buses with an option for 10 additional buses. Avon chose the buses in an effort to help protect the environment and lower its dependence on fossil fuels, according to the town’s fleet manager, Dan Higgins. Optima’s Opus ISE Series Hybrid Low-Floor Buses utilize ISE-Siemens ThunderVolt hybrid technology built around Siemens ELFA motors, generators and inverters, and use a conventional internal combustion engine only to generate electricity.

Topics:Management

More Management

Stadler's expanded Salt Lake City facility
Railby StaffJuly 3, 2026

Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion

The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.

Read More →
A Hitachi Rail screen on public transit.

Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition of Intelligent Transportation Systems Provider Clever Devices

The acquisition expands Hitachi Rail's North American presence and multimodal capabilities, combining rail and bus technologies to deliver more integrated digital solutions for transit agencies.

Read More →
A Utah Transit Authority public transit bus.

Utah Transit Authority Adopts New Governance Model

State leaders said the changes will improve oversight, coordinate transportation investments, and support expanding transit service across the Wasatch Front.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A group photo of public transportation officials.

Federal Highway Administration Seeks Public Input on Future of Interstate System

The initiative invites feedback on new routes, major upgrades, and emerging transportation needs, including issues that could affect public transit and motorcoach operations.

Read More →
Bridge Renewal Project Aims to Improve Safety and Reliability
Managementby StaffJuly 1, 2026

New York MTA to Replace Three East End LIRR Bridges

Each structure, built between 1895 and 1921, serves vehicular traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch.

Read More →
Zero Fare Pilot Offers Lessons for Transit Agencies Nationwide
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 1, 2026

Transit Pilot Offers Lessons for Expanding Mobility Access

An Urban Institute evaluation found that a fare-free transit program increased ridership, reduced transportation barriers, and improved access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tolar Manufacturing Reaches 35-Year Milestone
Managementby StaffJune 30, 2026

Tolar Manufacturing Marks 35 Years in Transit Infrastructure Industry

Founded in 1991 by Gary Tolar, the Corona, Calif.-based company has expanded from its first major transit contract in San Diego to projects in cities throughout the US and Canada.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffJune 29, 2026

SEPTA Board Approves FY2027 Budget Amid Funding Challenges

The spending plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year and includes investments in new buses, additional full-length fare gates, and other customer enhancements.

Read More →
Charlotte Area Transit System's light rail pulling in to a station.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 29, 2026

North Carolina CATS Approves Fare Modernization, Fare Ambassadors Programs

The initiatives will introduce new payment options, fare capping, and rider education as the Charlotte transit agency looks to simplify fares and improve the customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
California Expands Public Transit Strategy
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California

The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.

Read More →