More than a dozen Metro Bus drivers competed in the company’s annual Bus Roadeo challenge held at St. Cloud State University’s K-Lot last week. The top two finishers in each division will advance to the state competition in Fergus Falls in July.
In the Fixed Route division, Metro Bus newcomers Jerry Schmitz and Mike Keller took first and second respectively. Vern Dahl earned third. Schmitz and Keller were hired in 2016.
In the Dial-a-Ride division, Todd DeZurik placed first and David Peacock placed second. Josh Sachs took third.
“I am proud of all of our drivers who participated in the Metro Bus Roadeo,” said Metro Bus CEO Ryan Daniel. “Their participation is voluntary and demonstrates their commitment to safety and strengthening their skills.”
The Bus Roadeo is a chance for drivers in both Fixed Route and Dial-a-Ride divisions to showcase their driving skills. Drivers are scored on navigating through a timed obstacle course of orange road cones, testing various real life driving scenarios. Metro Bus has held local Bus Roadeo competitions since 1986.
The top two finishers from each division qualify to compete in the Minnesota Statewide Bus Roadeo in July. If they win first place at the state level, they are eligible to compete in their respective National Roadeo competitions. Historically, Metro Bus drivers have placed high at the state level.
Because DeZurik took first at the Minnesota Statewide Bus Roadeo last year, he will travel to Detroit, Michigan next month to represent St. Cloud Metro Bus at the National Community Transit Roadeo.
