Nashville Bus Operator Chris Vick Places Fifth at Bus Roadeo

Nashville MTA bus operator Chris Vick placed fifth out of 19 participants in the 35-foot bus competition at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 40th International Bus Roadeo in Fort Worth, Texas earlier this week.

Last fall, Vick finished third in the 35-foot bus division at the Tennessee Public Transportation Association (TPTA) Roadeo. He finished first in the 35-foot bus and paratransit van competition and second in the 40-foot bus competition in the 2014 local MTA roadeo.

MTA mechanics Bobby Kerce, Kyle Kruk and Troy Willis were one of 35 teams participating in a maintenance competition.

The International Bus Roadeo included bus operators and mechanics from public transit systems across North America. They participated in separate competitions to showcase their skills in safe driving and vehicle maintenance.

The operator competition included events such as judgment stops, turning, and clearing obstacles. The mechanic competition required skills in the identification of defects in engine, transmission, brake, and HVAC modules. The pre-trip inspection for operators and multiplex troubleshooting for mechanics were incorporated as scored events.