DART employees gathered on Oct. 19, to cheer on their fellow co-workers as they participated in a friendly competition of driving and safety skills at DART’s Bus Roadeo. The event was held at DART’s Mid-County facility in New Castle.
The “Roadeo” presented DART Bus Operators with several tests of their driving ability and safety skills. The individuals were tested by maneuvering either a 25-foot or 40-foot bus on a tight course in a safe and timely manner. The skills tests consisted of backing maneuvers, serpentine turns, passenger stops and diminishing clearance. Individuals who completed the course while scoring the most points for skill and safety maneuvers, won. The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) established the parameters of the course for the 25-foot buses; the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) set the parameters for the 40-foot bus course. The Maintenance competition consisted of a vehicle inspection, diagnosing mechanical defects and a written test. Contestants are awarded points for the written portion and the defects found. The three individuals with the highest overall scores are placed on the team.
Delaware Transit Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, John Sisson and Chief Operating Officer, Rich Paprcka congratulated and presented the awards. “Roadeo” winners of the 25-Foot Bus Category were: 1st Place – James Shotzberger; 2nd Place – Linval Ebanks; 3rd Place – Graylin Harris. Winners of the 40-Foot Bus Category were: 1st Place – William Webb; 2nd Place – Renaldo Epps; and 3rd Place – Gina Newman. The Maintenance Roadeo winners were Frank Garbacz, Tom Yonko and Andrew Gregorcyk.
Each Roadeo winner received an award plaque and three, two, or one personal day(s) off from work, depending on their category.
The Fixed Route 1st Place Winner and the Maintenance Team will attend the National Roadeo in Fort Worth, Texas, May 1-5. The Paratransit 1st Place Winner will attend the National Roadeo in Tampa, Fla., May 31 - June 5. Visit DART’s Flickr page to see the Roadeo winners.
