Sixty Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Bus Operators and 14 teams of bus mechanics will put their skills to the test in a fierce — but friendly — competition during the 2017 SEPTA Bus Roadeo on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The winners will move on to represent SEPTA in the APTA International Bus and Maintenance Roadeo in Tampa, Florida, next May.
The Bus Roadeo is an annual event that allows bus operators to showcase their talents by competing against one another by navigating obstacle courses and more. Additionally, the maintenance teams will finish the competition started on September 6 at the STATS Training Center, by endeavoring to find and record six defects and repair the one additional defect that prevents the engine from starting and/or maintaining a proper idle speed within the 10-minute time limit. The action plays out in front of a crowd that includes fellow SEPTA employees, family, friends and other guests, who cheer the operators on while enjoying food and fun activities. Volunteers from SEPTA'S Medical Department will provide wellness checks and flu shots will also be available, along with nutritional information. Other representatives from Human Resources and Women In Transit will also be on hand.
Now in its 33rd year, this year's event will take place at the Cornwells Heights Train Station in Bucks County at 799 Station Avenue, Cornwells Heights. Around 100 volunteers from throughout the Authority will help with judging, display buses, and kids' activities including face-painting, a moon bounce, as well as a dunk tank.
In addition to maneuvering techniques and skill challenges, spectators will see both current and vintage buses and utility vehicles and vehicles from other properties, such as Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
One competitor to watch is Zenon John Rinylo, who will try to regain his title from the current champion, Victor Tarver. Rinlyo has previously won the SEPTA Roadeo 23 times, and the PA State championship 18 times. The two-time APTA grand champion has been a SEPTA employee for 39 years.