HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) this weekend is hosting the Virginia State Bus and Maintenance “Roadeo,” an annual competition showcasing the skills of bus drivers and mechanics.
Ten teams of bus operators and nine maintenance teams representing transit agencies from across Virginia will square off against each other March 7-8 in Hampton.
The mechanics’ competition will be held Saturday at HRT’s Hampton garage, 3400 Victoria Blvd. Bus operators, meanwhile, will showcase their talents in the parking lot of Hampton Roads Convention Center on Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Winners of the events are invited to compete in the International Bus Roadeo to be held May 15-19 in Salt Lake City.
“This statewide Bus and Maintenance Roadeo celebrates the high standards of training and safety in our industry while giving participants a chance to learn and network from fellow professionals across Virginia,” said Kevin Brown, HRT’s manager of bus training and the event’s host organizer.
Participants compete in several timed events to challenge their problem-solving and technical skills. Maintenance technicians will take a knowledge exam and then test their expertise in identifying and diagnosing a range of mechanical issues across vehicle systems that include braking, engine, door operation, HVAC, vehicle computer systems, and general vehicle inspection.
Operators will compete in a timed obstacle course designed to test their driving skills, including serpentine maneuvers, difficult turns, reversing, braking, vehicle inspection, simulated bus stops, and navigating a diminishing clearance.
Operators representing HRT at the competition are Reginald Charity Jr., Che-Vaughn Hall, Terraine Little and Joseph Perkins. HRT’s competing mechanics are Vincent Biggs, William Claud and Luke Cramer.
The Roadeo is made possible through a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and support from the Virginia Transit Association (VTA).
About HRT
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.
Media Contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
Cell: (757) 354-0564
tbecher@hrtransit.org
March 2, 2026