NORFOLK, VA – Hampton Roads Transit hosted its annual Bus Operator and Maintenance Roadeo February 16-18. This annual competition gives operators and mechanics an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Winners in each category move on to represent HRT in the state competition.
Eleven bus operators competed over the course of three-days at Todd Stadium in Newport News, VA. Operators maneuvered a 40-foot bus through a course of nine challenging obstacles. The maintenance portion of the competition was held at HRT’s complex in Norfolk, VA, with three mechanics participating. They were tasked with diagnosing simulated mechanical failures. Both competitions were judged by a panel of HRT employees who volunteered their time and talent to the event.
Reginald Charity, Jr. won first place in the Bus Operator’s Division while George Sweeny won first place in the Maintenance Division.
A team of four bus operators and three mechanics will compete at the state competition, hosted by OmniRide, in Manassas, VA, April 5-7. Winners from the state level can compete at the International Bus Roadeo, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), held in Portland, OR, April 26-30.
The team representing HRT in Manassas includes:
Bus Operators
Reginald Charity, Jr.
Shawn Washington
Jimmy Brown
Gerhardt Chatman
Mechanics
Geroge Sweeny
Garry Golden
Jose Brito
The next HRT Bus Operator and Maintenance Roadeo will be held this fall. Join our fleet and you can be part of a winning team. Learn more about career opportunities at gohrt.com.