The Roadeo in Charlestown didn’t have any bucking broncos, cowboy hats or steer roping, instead the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Bus Roadeo Friday featured mock bus stops, sharp turns and agility tests.
In an effort to promote safe bus driving in Boston, the MBTA held its 30th annual roadeo, where 12 bus drivers competed in an obstacle course for the chance to represent the MBTA in the National Roadeo.
MBTA Deputy Chief and Roadeo chairwoman Marion Driscoll said the MBTA holds the annual event to promote safety awareness.
Participants must have polished safety records before competing — including a two-year accident-free record and good work attendance — she said.
For Friday’s competition, judges picked the 12 finalists to compete after a preliminary competition of 40 bus drivers. Drivers at Friday’s Roadeo had to tackle 13 obstacles, including maneuvering tires through rows of tennis balls on the ground, making sharp right hand and left hand turns and pulling up to simulated bus stops.
Every obstacle was worth 50 points, with the whole course totaling 700 points. Judges deducted between one and 25 points for each obstacle, and the driver with the most points won.
First-place winner Anthony Monaco said not only did he enjoy the friendly teasing among his co-workers, but that he felt honored to win among such “stiff competition.”
“It’s such an accomplishment to even qualify to make the top 12,” he said. “I hope not to disappoint my fellow operators [at the national competition], who expect me to represent them.”
Second-place winner O.D. Fitzpatrick said that while the obstacles are tough, his skills improved after each competition.
Fitzpatrick added that he enjoys the friendly camaraderie between his co-workers and the good-natured “trash talk” more than any other aspect of the competition.
Trisha Sprague, MBTA employee and Roadeo spectator, said the Roadeo is a great place for drivers to show off their skilled driving abilities.
“It’s great for employee morale, and it lets them show off their skills,” she said. “It’s much better than the hostile street environment.”
Third-place winner Robbie Driscoll said the competition is a good way to encourage drivers to keep good driving records.
“People strive to be here,” Driscoll said. “The Roadeo improves morale, which helps safety.”
“Even if someone is unqualified [to compete], the roadeo will make them try harder,” he added. “I feel like I earned [my place in the competition] because of my driving record. It’s always fun to compete, and it’s a great chance to shine.”
In addition to safety awareness, drivers said they had other motivations. Some participate to improve or demonstrate their skills.”
“I always participated because it’s a great chance for me to excel in my profession,” said Bob Chaffee, retiree and 15-time Roadeo champion.
Yet drivers said their favorite part of the competition was the chance to interact with their co-workers. Chaffee said that not only did he meet friends in the Boston area, but all over the country as well when he attended the nationals as a winner.
“The friendships you make are what it’s all about,” Chaffee said.
Spectator Marilyn Nichols said she was not aware that the roadeo had such a long history, but said she was not surprised that the obstacles were difficult to complete.
“They maneuver around such tiny places when driving on the streets,” she said. “They’re really doing great with these obstacles.”
The winner of the competition, Monaco, will compete in the International Bus Roadeo, scheduled in Nashville. May 2007.
Additionally, the winner received a parking spot and a plaque, while the second place winner received $500, a parking spot and a plaque, and the third place winner received $300. The other nine finalists received $100 each.