It's Manatee vs. Sarasota as Bus Drivers Face Off Sunday in 'Roadeo' Challenge

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – Manatee County Area Transit's new Transit Fleet Facility will be the site of the second Regional Roadeo competition as Manatee County Area Transit bus operators compete with Sarasota County Area Transit operators on Sunday, March 26 in a series of competitions around a test road course set up with cones, barrels and bus stops.

The competitions will test each operator’s ability to negotiate tight turns, to operate transit buses backwards and stop within six inches of a fixed object.

The competition is free and open to the public. Though the event begins at 8 a.m., Transit Operations Chief Jim Egbert said the driving action will begin closer to 9 a.m.

The Transit Fleet Facility is located at 2411 Tallevast Road, off U.S. 301.

“It’s fun to see professional bus operators test their skill and drive these big vehicles on an obstacle course,” Egbert said. “They’re maneuvering a 35-foot long vehicle weighing over 39,000 pounds without passengers; and the skill on display is quite impressive.”

First place transit and paratransit winners from MCAT and SCAT will advance to the April 29 Mega Bus Roadeo in Daytona Beach. That competition will determine the most skilled bus operators in the state.

Manatee and Sarasota County bus operators received recognition as the very best in the state in both 2015 and 2016 for their driving skills and for their ability to serve riders and support their community.

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• Heritage Days 2017 at Manatee Village Historical Park: Free in Bradenton
• Sarasota Home Show
• Honey Bee Festival: Sarasota (Dress Like Bee, Get In Free)
• Wine & Cheese Pairing: Sarasota

FOR EASTER EVENTS: Easter 2017 Egg Hunts, Bunny Brunches & More Events Coming Soon

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