Metro Bus Operator wins State Roadeo, another wins Drivers’ Choice award

On Saturday, July 10, St. Cloud Metro Bus hosted the 33rd annual Minnesota Public Transportation Association (MPTA) Minnesota State Bus Roadeo at St. Cloud State University’s K-Lot featuring top bus operators from around Minnesota. Seven Metro Bus Operators competed out of a total of 26 contestants. The day of friendly competition and camaraderie included an opening ceremony, obstacle course and other tests of skill and safety for the Operators. Lunch for contestants and judges was served immediately following the event and an award’s banquet took place in the evening. Spectators were welcomed at the event and included family, friends and colleagues of the contestants from across the State.

There were two divisions of buses:

• Large buses used for Fixed Route service, otherwise known as city buses, which are the full-sized buses most people picture when they think of public transit.
• Small buses which are often used for paratransit such as Metro Bus’s Dial-a-Ride service and/or other on-demand type services like Metro Bus’s ConneX service in Sartell.

All Metro Bus competitors represented the agency and Central Minnesota with class, integrity and professionalism. Two Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride Operators took away high honors.

David Peacock, who has been with Metro Bus for 20 years, won the Small Bus Division. David has competed in Local and State Roadeos numerous times during his career and this was his third win at the State level. He will represent the State of Minnesota at the International Bus Competition hosted by Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) later this year.

Larry Dolan won the prestigious Drivers Choice-Duane Dufner Memorial Award which is voted on by Roadeo participants and recognizes the Bus Operator who was the most helpful to their colleagues at the event. Larry’s knowledge and sense of humor contributed to a relaxed yet educational experience for the other Bus Operators.

Metro Bus is extremely proud of all of our Operators’ commitments to providing safe, friendly and reliable service to the communities they serve. Metro Bus congratulates all the Operators who competed in this year’s State Roadeo and especially David and Larry for their incredible accomplishments!