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

Elkridge, Md., - The Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM) held its statewide Roadeo transit driver competition on Saturday, March 28 at the Dorsey MARC Train Station in Elkridge. 20 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 Omaha Nebraska on May 9 and 10. 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 Catherine Albert (3rd Place, Harford Transit LINK). Also recognized at this event were our top wheelchair securement scorer (Bruce Alexander, Cecil Transit), and our Rookie Of the Year (Roberto Cameron, 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, Ride With Us, Q’Straint, Rohrer Bus IDIS, and MDOT MTA. 
 
Buses and equipment were provided by RTA of Central Maryland, Prince George's County DPW&T, Delmarva Community Transit, and MDOT MTA.