CATS Celebrates 2024 Bus Roadeo
Published on March 23, 2024
A Day of Skill, Safety and Spirited Competition Highlights Transit Operators’ Dedication
Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, March 23, 2024) Despite the overcast skies and occasional rain, the 2024 Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Bus Roadeo brought together a spirited crowd, showcasing the skill and camaraderie of its participants. Held Saturday, March 23, 2024, the event featured competitors from various divisions, including CATS Bus, Paratransit, Maintenance, Mecklenburg Transportation System and Charlotte Douglas Airport, each demonstrating their dedication and expertise in the field of public transportation.
The day was marked by laughter and support as team members cheered on their colleagues. Bus operators faced a challenging obstacle course designed to test their driving and safety skills. Each participant had seven minutes to navigate the course without disturbing any traffic cones, highlighting their precision and training.
In addition to the driving challenges, the Maintenance Roadeo tested teams of three on their ability to diagnose and repair engine defects. Competitors conducted pre-checks of buses, identifying and fixing various issues, in a race against time and each other to demonstrate their mechanical expertise.
"Today is a day of celebration, a day to shine a spotlight on the exceptional dedication and hard work of our operators who keep our community moving every day. The CATS Bus Roadeo is more than a competition; it's a testament to the rigorous training and commitment to safety that our team members embody. Watching our operators put their skills to the test, with family and friends cheering them on, reminds us of the vital role they play in our lives. It's an opportunity to acknowledge their expertise, courage and the spirit of camaraderie that defines us at CATS. I'm incredibly proud of each participant and grateful for the chance to celebrate together." - Brent Cagle, Interim CEO, Charlotte Area Transit System
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the CATS Bus Division's Customer Service Champion Award. This year, the honor was awarded to Jose Perez, a professional operator whose exceptional service has consistently exceeded customer expectations. CATS riders have praised Perez for his demeanor and professionalism, noting that his approach to customer service sets a high standard and contributes significantly to their positive transit experiences.
With the conclusion of the 2024 CATS Bus Roadeo, winners will advance to the next round of competition at the State Roadeo, which will be held during the North Carolina Public Transportation Association Conference in Concord, NC, from April 5-6, 2024. This event serves as a precursor to the International Bus Roadeo, hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), where champions from across the nation will gather to showcase their talents.
The CATS Bus Roadeo not only highlights the skills and dedication of our public transportation professionals but also fosters a sense of community and excellence within the industry. We congratulate all participants and winners, and we especially celebrate Jose Perez for his outstanding commitment to customer service.
Event Photos Here
2024 Winners:
Mecklenburg Transportation System
1st Place: Maria Blaney
2nd Place: Stephen Gutierrez
3rd Place: Taquisha Sikes
Charlotte Douglas Airport
Cheri Scales
CATS Paratransit
1st Place: Lakisha Bennett
2nd Place: Dorothy Campbell
3rd Place: Twanda Buckhalter-Reid
Maverick: Tameshia Price
CATS Bus Operations Division
1st Place: Ever Martinez
2nd Place: Lenord Adams
3rd Place: Kimberly Wallace
Maverick: Trevor Wheaton
CATS Bus Administration:
1st Place: Rolanda Vendrell
2nd Place: Leroy Blackmon
Maintenance Teams
1st Place Team: Charles Jones, Jeff Dahle, Brandon Hartsell
2nd Place Team: David Christy, Said Anehcham, Bruce Campbell
3rd Place Team: Dustin Nelson, Javon Ford, TyAndre Couser
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About the Charlotte Area Transit System
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is a department of the City of Charlotte and governed by the Metropolitan Transit Commission. CATS is the largest transit system between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, offering bus, light rail, streetcar, vanpool and paratransit services.
Learn more by visiting RideTransit.org or follow CATS on X, Instagram and Facebook.