Top Bus Drivers Named in Michigan Small Bus Roadeo Competition

Sept. 16, 2014
Seventeen public transit systems competed in the 39th Michigan Annual Small Bus Roadeo.

Seventeen public transit systems from around the state competed in the 39th Annual Michigan Small Bus Roadeo in Frankenmuth on Sept. 12, with individual and team competitions. Drivers competed in Roadeo events designed to test the skills and knowledge of Michigan public transit bus drivers.

Dennis Adams, director of marketing and public relations for Isabella County Transportation Commission and event coordinator, said, "Public transit bus drivers play an important role in delivering transportation services to Michigan citizens across the state. this event showcases the professionalism of small bus drivers and their skills behind the wheel. Transit passengers can be at ease knowing they are in good hands every day."

First-place honors in individual competition went to Troy Lowe of Branch Area Transit Authority in Coldwater. Mike Beech of Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing won second place, and third place went to Harold Smith of Gladwin City/County Transit.

Drivers competed for points based on a written test, driving skills on an obstacle course, a test on passenger assistance, and a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

The top three individual winners are eligible to compete in the national competition next spring at the Community Transportation Association's National Bus Roadeo held during its annual expo.

Gladwin City/County Transit won first place in the team competition, with drivers Harold Smith, Jon Greer and Deanna Hughes. Second place went to Isabella County Transportation Commission in Mt. Pleasant, with drivers Steffanie Hunt, Marilyn Griffith and Kevin Kenny. Third place went to CATA in Lansing, with drivers Mike Beech, Kate Gardner and Ginger Gray.

The title of "Rookie of the Year" went to Jon Greer of Gladwin City/County Transit. The highest score on the written test was a tie between Marvin Frayer of Clare County Transit in Harrison and Deanna Hughes of Gladwin City/County Transit. The highest score on the driving course went to Mike Beech of CATA.

Top winners received cash prizes and trophies donated by the Michigan Association of Transportation Systems (MASSTrans) and the Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA). The expenses for the trip to compete in the National Bus Roadeo are provided through federal training funds.

Sponsors of the event include MASSTrans, MPTA, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and commercial vendors.

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