2018 Metro Bus Roadeo competition results

ST. CLOUD — Nearly two dozen Metro Bus operators competed in the company’s annual Bus Roadeo challenge June 7. The top two finishers in each division will advance to the state competition in Duluth in July.

In the Fixed Route division, Mike Keller took first and Jerry Schmitz took second. Dan Ruggles, placed third. This was Ruggle’s first roadeo competition.

In the Dial-a-Ride division, Todd DeZurik placed first once again. Chris Osmek took second and David Peacock was third.

The Bus Roadeo is a chance for drivers in both Fixed Route and Dial-a-Ride divisions to showcase their driving skills. Drivers are scored on navigating through a timed obstacle course of orange road cones, testing various real life driving scenarios. Metro Bus has held local Bus Roadeo competitions since 1986.

The top two finishers from each division qualify to compete in the Minnesota Statewide Bus Roadeo in July. If they win first place at the state level, they are eligible to compete in their respective National Roadeo competitions. Historically, Metro Bus drivers have placed high at the state level.

For more information about state and national competitions:
• Minnesota State Roadeo hosted by the Minnesota Public Transit Association: mtpa-transit.org
• National Community Transit Roadeo (for small buses) hosted by the Community Transportation Association of America: ctaa.org
• International Bus Roadeo (for large buses) hosted by the American Public Transportation Association: apta.com