Optima Opus
500-seriesCTA Service Information
| Status | Retired |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 45 |
| Numbers | 500-544 |
| Delivery | 2006 |
Bus Specifications
| Manufacture | Optima |
|---|---|
| Model | Opus |
| Propulsion | Diesel |
| Engine | Cummins ISB02 |
| Transmission | ZF 5HP502C |
| Length | 30' |
| Width | 99" |
| Seat Model | AMSECO InSight |
| # of Seats | 23 |
| Dest. Signs | LED |
| Amenities | Air Conditioning
ADA Accessible |
Photos
Service History
On September 14, 2005, the Chicago Transit Board approved a $17.2 million contract for the purchase of up to 125 30-foot Opus buses from Optima Bus Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. The buses are the first of such length in CTA history.
The buses are used primarily on Hyde Park and Evanston routes, where either narrow streets or lower peak ridership make them ideal.
In addition to low emission Cummins engines, the buses are equipped with all standard CTA amenities including surveillance cameras, bike racks, next stop announcement systems, and automatic passenger counters.
In order to better distinguish the buses from the rest of the CTA fleet, the 500-series are painted in a unique, more organic livery.
The prototype bus was delivered to the CTA on June 9, 2006 and was tested in service at North Park and 103rd Garages for a period of two weeks. The first bus was received by the CTA on September 6, 2006 and went in service on September 11, 2006.