Fourteen public transit systems from around the state competed in the 40th Annual Michigan Small Bus Roadeo in Frankenmuth on Aug. 27, with individual and team competitions. Drivers competed in roadeo events designed to test the skills and knowledge of Michigan public transit bus drivers. The event was met with perfect weather conditions, and followed with two days of training sessions for drivers, dispatchers, operations staff, and mechanics through the Frontline Training Conference.
Jill Drury, director of the Charlevoix County Transit, and co-chair of the statewide bus roadeo reflected on the day. "This event is a great opportunity to recognize the highly skilled, dedicated, and hardworking transit drivers of Michigan. The importance of Michigan transit drivers was recognized by Gov. Snyder, as he declared Aug. 27 as 'Public Transit Driver Day.'"
The top three individual winners are eligible to attend the CTAA National Roadeo in Portland, Oregon, in May.
First-place honors in individual competition went to Mike Beech of Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing. Roberta Keast of Gladwin City/County Transit in Gladwin took second, and third place went to Mark Brown of Huron Transit.
CATA also took first place in the team competition, with drivers Steve Soliz, Kate Gardner, and Mike Beech. Second place went to Gladwin City/County Transit, with drivers Deanna Hughes, Roberta Keast, and Harold Smith. Third place was secured by Clare County Transit, with drivers Marvin Frayer, Kevin Stamper, and Ron Decker.
"Rookie of the Year" was awarded to Dick Shoup of Clinton 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.
Top winners received cash prizes and trophies donated by the Michigan Association of Transportation Systems (MASSTrans) and the Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA).
Sponsors of the event include MASSTrans, MPTA, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and commercial vendors.
