City hosts “Bus Roadeo” to test drivers skills and safety

“It is a tough job. And having fun in an environment like this is always important and brings the drivers closer together as they experience the same thing. And have a laugh and a joke. And someone gets bragging rights for the rest of the year.” Said transit manager, Simon Amos.

It’s not only about bragging rights, as Amos says, but it’s also about making sure that the drivers are focused on getting the job done safely.

“It’s important to have it formalized so we can test them and we do score them, but in a fun environment because these are just cones. But they can take these skills that they learn today and use them in their day to day practice of driving around the city.” He said.

Transit lead hand Allan Klcher agreed.

“Safety, safety, safety. That’s number one, we want to make sure that we are safe driving the buses. We want to make sure our passengers are safe on the bus. And they feel comfortable. That’s our number one goal.” He explained.

Mayor Ted Clugston, who took a try at driving the bus, says he has a new appreciation at the skills it takes to drive one.

“They have a skill, it makes it look a lot easier then it actually is. They are a lot longer then they seem and the back ends come out a lot further than when you’re taking a turn.” Clugston said.

Klcher, who is also an instructor, says that the length of the bus is the thing new drivers struggle with the most.

“Because you’re sitting in front of the tires so it’s different than driving a car. Because a car you’re sitting behind the tires and you don’t have to worry about the back end of your car swinging out three feet. Which the buses does. So you have to be paying attention forward, around you everywhere.”

The transit department is hoping that this will become an annual event to promote safety and bring drivers together for a day of fun.

by Hayley Ferguson

City hosts “Bus Roadeo” to test drivers skills and safety

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