Alexandria Transit's DASH Operator Clarence "Action" Jackson won first place with the highest score over all competitors in the annual Virginia State Bus Roadeo competition on Sunday, April 1. Jackson also won first place on the 35 foot bus competition, and the Virginia Transit Liability Pool Safety Award. Approximately 200 competitors, transit system staff, volunteers, and judges converged in Norfolk, Va., to participate in the weekend activities. Drivers and mechanics from local transit systems across Virginia competed in the event. DASH Bus Operators Michelle Willis, Elmer Rodriquez and Roscoe Shell placed fourth, fifth and eighth in the 35-foot bus competition. DASH placed first place overall for the Driving Team.
The Roadeo tests the driving and knowledge skills of bus operators in an obstacle course that mirrors the specific driving maneuvers and encounters frequently experienced in the course of their daily work behind the wheel of their bus. The drivers must demonstrate safety habits and smoothness of operation and are rated on both while driving through each situation on the course. They are also tested on their abilities in a pre-trip inspection and written test.
"Alexandria Transit is very proud of all of our Roadeo participants and for taking home first place overall as a Driving Team. Clarence's exceptional driving skills prove his passion for driving and his ability year-after-year," stated Sandy Modell, ATC's general manager. Jackson has won the state competition four times before, in 2005 and 2007, 2010 and 2011. As a result of winning this year, Jackson will be sent by the Virginia Transit Association (VTA) to the 2012 International Roadeo competition in Long Beach, Calif. in May.
