Bus operators and maintenance technicians will go for the gold in the Olympics of transit Oct. 24 when they compete in the 2015 Bus Roadeo and Maintenance Competition.
Held by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, the competition will test the skills of the agency’s bus operators and mechanics. Thirty-one bus operators and four maintenance technicians will compete to represent Kansas City in the International Bus Roadeo Competition in Charlotte, N.C., in May.
Earlier in 2015, a team of three mechanics – Tom Seymour, Jeff Clark and Ralph Salmon – won the international maintenance contest. They will be among those competing to retain their title this weekend.
In the competition, bus operators will test their driving skills on a controlled course. Skill tests include serpentine driving, passenger pickup, reversing and stopping at a high speed. Mechanics identify and correct defects to a bus’ engine, brakes and other mechanical systems. Bus operators and mechanics must have an exemplary safety and attendance record to participate.
The competition begins at 8 a.m. on Oct. 24. It will be held at the Manual Career and Technical Center at 1215 E. Truman Road. The winners will be announced when the competition ends.
