NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 1, 2024
Intercity Transit staff take top prizes at International Bus Roadeo
Olympia, Wash. - Intercity Transit (IT) continues its winning tradition by winning top honors in two prestigious categories of competition and being named the overall grand champion system at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 2024 International Bus Roadeo competition in Portland, Oregon last weekend.
A bus Roadeo is a competitive event where bus operators and maintenance teams demonstrate their skills in driving, safety, and vehicle maintenance. Following a five-year hiatus, this year’s Roadeo featured 390 participants, including 76 bus drivers, 46 maintenance teams, and 38 combined teams. Participants navigated obstacle courses, performed simulated driving scenarios, and showcased their ability to conduct thorough vehicle inspections, diagnose mechanical issues, and complete maintenance tasks efficiently and safely.
These events promote professionalism, excellence in driving, and maintenance proficiency within the bus transportation industry, fostering camaraderie, and continuous improvement in safety and service quality. Awards are given in each practice area, and there is an overall grand prize for the transit system with the highest combined score for the bus operator and bus maintenance team.
IT Bus Operator, Rob Wood took first place in the driving competition and the IT Maintenance team, comprised of Richelle Loken, Jonathan Reynolds and Sean Malay took first place in the USSC Bus Inspection.
“A bus Roadeo is a celebration of the expertise, training and dedication of transit workers,” said Intercity Transit General Manager Emily Bergkamp. “Our entire organization is extremely proud of Rob, Richelle, Jonathan and Sean for these achievements and celebrates all our staff who participate and coordinate these local Roadeo events throughout the year. Additionally, it’s important to recognize the family support that goes into preparing for and competing in these events.”
This achievement is a repeat win for operator Rob Wood, who placed first in the international competition in 2019, and a personal best accomplishment for the IT Maintenance Team. The events were suspended due to the pandemic and returned this year, providing Mr. Wood the opportunity to defend his title and the IT Maintenance Team a return to the international stage. The participants earned their spots in the international competition after winning at the regional and state levels over the past year.
For more information, please contact media@intercitytransit.com
###