Port Authority bus operators to show off skills in 'Roadeo'

Plenty of skill is required to drive a Port Authority of Allegheny County bus, keeping passengers on schedule while negotiating tight turns and traffic.

Now nearly 20 Port Authority bus and light rail drivers will showcase the skills they use daily in an upcoming competition.

The contests known as “Roadeo” for bus operators and “Rodeo” for light rail operators will be held on Sunday, April 14. It will “put Port Authority employees through physical and mental challenges, measuring their professional skills and vehicle operation, knowledge of safety regulations and equipment, and rules and procedures,” according to a press release.

The bus Roadeo will take place at the Castle Shannon Park and Ride and is open to the public. A separate rail “Rodeo” will be held at the South Hills Village Rail Center, but will not be open to the public.

Although similar contests are held throughout the country each year, this is the first time Port Authority has hosted a competition in nearly two decades.

“These competitions are about recognizing the best of our front-line employees,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman. “We already know we have excellent operators. This competition gives them the opportunity to put that excellence on display.”

The winning bus operator will be sent to Louisville, Ky., to compete in the 2019 International Bus Roadeo. The winning rail operator will be sent to Toronto, Ontario, to compete in the 2019 International Rail Rodeo in July. Both events are sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association.

In preparation for the event, the Castle Shannon Park and Ride will be closed weekends beginning Saturday. Customers traveling on weekends leading up to the event are encouraged to use the park and ride lots at Washington Junction, St. Anne, Dormont, Memorial Hall or South Hills Village Garage.