Roadeo

Many Thanks to all the drivers, volunteers, and sponsors who came together to make this event possible!

(From left to right: Joel Johnson, Ride With Us; Bruce Alexander, Cecil Transit; Matt Paugh, Garrett Transit; Catherine Albert, Harford Transit LINK)

Elkridge, Md., - The Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM) held its statewide Roadeo transit driver competition on Saturday, April 13 at the Dorsey MARC Train Station in Elkridge. 29 of the best transit drivers from across Maryland came to compete at the annual event.

The Roadeo consisted of a combination of safety and driving skills tests, including a pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement, and a driving obstacle course, to imitate the daily challenges of transit service.

Drivers were timed and scored on skill performance, smooth driving, and avoiding all obstacles on the course. To successfully complete the Wheelchair Securement area, drivers had to perform and verbalize the process of loading and securing passengers; to receive full points in the Pre-Trip Inspection area, drivers had to locate staged defects, while performing and verbalizing a full pre-trip vehicle inspection.

The top three competitors received a TAM scholarship to compete at the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) National Roadeo, this year being held in San Diego, CA on May 31 and June 1. The national competition includes the challenges above, as well as a written exam portion.

The three Maryland competitors heading to nationals are Matt Paugh (1st Place, Garrett Transit Service), Joel Johnson (2nd Place, Ride with Us), and Bruce Alexander (3rd Place, Cecil Transit). Also recognized at this event were our top wheelchair securement scorer (Joel Johnson, Ride With Us), and our Rookie Of the Year (Catherine Albert, Harford Transit LINK).

The event hosted over 70 volunteers and participation from over 30 TAM member agencies. Sponsoring the event were ITCurves, Transit Group, CAPP Uniform Services, Inc., KFH Group, Sonny Merryman, Safety Vision, Ride With Us, Q’Straint, Rohrer Bus, and MDOT MTA.

Buses were provided by RTA of Central Maryland, Prince George's County DPW&T, Delmarva Community Transit, and MDOT MTA.