The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) held its 10th annual Bus Maintenance Roadeo on Sept. 11.
CDTA maintenance technicians competed in teams of three on a series of timed events featuring a written test, bus inspection, and several trouble shooting exercises with pre-set defects in the areas of HVAC repair, engine repair, and air brake diagnostics. A panel of judges, comprised of CDTA staff, oversaw and completed contestants’ final scores.
Taking home top honors this year Albany technicians Ken Stager, Jr., Eric Ford and Joe Ruotolo. Coming in second Albany technicians Jeetendra Sukhdeo, Junior Ompertab and Arnold Dipnarine. Rounding out the top three teams Schenectady technician Mike Haigh, Troy technician Phil Haigh and Schenectady technician Jason Hiddle.
The Bus Maintenance Roadeo is designed to encourage excellence and professionalism in bus transit operations and test the skills they have acquired through internal training programs.
The top team will now move on to represent CDTA at the international American Public Transportation Association (APTA) competition. The 2016 competition will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina in May.
