Metro Bus Operator wins State Bus Roadeo, several others finish well

On Saturday, July 19, 2025 the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) held the 38th Annual Statewide Bus Roadeo at Minnesota North College – Mesabi Range Campus in Virginia, MN. The collegial event brought Bus Operators from across Minnesota together to match safety and service skills.
Metro Bus was excited to send three Dial-a-Ride (small bus) Operators and three Fixed Route (large bus) Operators to the State Roadeo. The Roadeo had a total of 12 entrants in the Large Bus Division and 18 in the Small Bus Division.
For the third year in a row, Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride Operator David Peacock took first place and Dial-a-Ride Operator Keith Drake took second in the Small Bus Division, while Fixed Route Operator Jason Hiivala took second and Carl Hallberg took third in the Large Bus Division. Dial-a-Ride Operator Wayne Prescott and Fixed Route Operator Mike Stommes placed high in their respective divisions as well.