IOWA’S TOP BUS DRIVERS SELECTED AT
IOWA PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL ROADEO
DES MOINES, IA — (June 23, 2018) Two bus drivers from Iowa will compete in the International Roadeo events in Louisville, KY next spring after they out-performed finalists from across the state in the 32nd annual Iowa Public Transit Association’s (IPTA) Roadeo event. This year’s Roadeo was held in Okoboji and was sponsored by the RIDES, a non-profit transit agency.
Cesar Chavez with Des Moines Area Transit Authority (DART) in Des Moines took home top honors in the large bus division competition, followed by Paul Klimesh and Andrew Smith both of CyRide taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Conner Friedrichsen with CyRide from Ames won the small bus division competition with Jean Daising, Region 8 Regional Transit Agency, and George Gorszm, EARL Public Transit, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively. Top place winners have secured a chance to compete in the International Roadeo.
Competitors in this year’s event were tested and timed for a pre-trip inspection check, an obstacle course and a mobility device loading test. These challenges test the drivers and teach them what best practices are for safely and securely transporting passengers.
For the pre-trip inspection, drivers had to discover eight equipment-related defects and one security hazard. These issues represent real-life scenarios drivers could face in their daily jobs. The bus Roadeo obstacle course included 11 driving obstacles and three other scoring opportunities. Staff of the Iowa Department of Transportation, staff of RIDES, IPTA members, and other local volunteers judged the competition.
Pictured from left to right are the winners of the large and small bus Roadeo.
Andres Smith, CyRide, Jean Saising, Region 8 Regional Transit Authority, Paul Klimesh, CyRide, Cesar Chavez, DART, Conner Friedrichsen, CyRide. Not pictured is George Gorsz, EARL Public Transit.