Does the travel ban by state and city governments across the United States of America have an effect beyond financial burdens to the state of North Carolina?
I know for a fact that it does.
My name is Daniel Schmidt. I am a five-time winner of the APTA International Bus Roadeo. I have worked hard throughout my career to be the best and safest driver that I could be. I credit much of this to the fact that I have participated in over 80 driving competitions with the goal of improving my skills, as well as the skills of those around me. I feel I have succeeded.
Not only have I excelled at my craft but I have helped many others to do so as well. For instance, in 2001 I trained and work hand in hand with Ignacio “Nacho” Medina from Link Transit in Wenatchee, WA. He showed awesome potential and dedication, but needed help with completing the course in time. At the APTA International Bus Roadeo in Philadelphia we tied for first place in points. However, Nacho cruised through the course not only in time, but finished eight seconds faster than I did and won the tie-breaker.
Another competitor that I helped was Gabe Fernos from Spokane Transit Authority. For years he would call me for instructions over the phone on how to negotiate the left turn obstacle before his local competition. Many times we would practice together before the International Bus Roadeo. In 2014, that hard work paid off. He scored five more points than I did, and walked away with the coveted first place trophy in Kansas City.
My most successful student was Gabe Beliz from Ben Franklin Transit in Richland, WA. Gabe came to me and asked me to show him how I coasted to victory and made it look so easy. The young man had more determination than anyone I have ever seen. More importantly, he thoroughly enjoyed what he did. How successful was he? He went on to win five consecutive state roadeos and the last three International Bus Roadeos in the 35-foot class.
I am proud of these fellow operators.
This will be my last roadeo. I dreamed of going out in style, winning my sixth International Roadeo. All the best drivers would be there this year. Many past champions would be there. Brentt Mackie, Zenon Renylo and Kevin Grady, all two-time winners of the 40-foot class would be there. It was even rumored that Jesse Dela Cruz, a three-time international champion would show up this year. It was to be a historic competition.
But that will not happen.
Instead, politics has stepped in and removed the competition. City councilmen, mayors, congressmen and governors are trying to make a point through economic sanctions. I personally have not joined in the debate, staying neutral in the matters concerning restrooms, sexual orientation, discrimination and diversity. These are matters for others to decide.
However, what I have learned is that all the hard work, drive and determination of some of the finest bus drivers in the world has been tossed into the symbolic toilet. And for what? So politicians on both sides of the issue can make their case.
Competitors from at least four states and the District of Columbia have been asked to withdraw from the competition. In addition, as many as 20 cities have also decided to ban travel to North Carolina. And the numbers are growing.
Drivers from all over the country have relayed messages about this issue to me through email, text messages, phone calls and social media. Driver Justin Martin from Lane Transit District in Eugene, OR, joked that there may be only two or three of us competing. Chai Kunjara of King County Metro in Seattle has spent years trying to make it to the big dance by competing against legendary drivers in his own city. This year he won, but is not being allowed to compete in Charlotte.
APTA has decided to hold the Roadeo in North Carolina anyway. Last Saturday APTA made this statement: “One chief reason we decided to proceed is to support the city of Charlotte, which has long had a track record of creating an environment that not only values diversity, but strongly embraces it.”
APTA knows that many of the best drivers will not be in attendance. Gone will be the talented drivers and teams from so many transit properties. For those who can’t compete, this has been a hard pill to swallow. But for the men and women who are allowed to participate it will be a hollow victory.
Is there a solution? I don’t know.
Our governor has restricted travel to North Carolina for state-funded agencies. However, several members of my company’s transit board do not condone economic sanctions on fellow citizens of this country as a means of enforcing opinions on others. My general manager has left the decision with me. It was a difficult decision. At the urging of both those who are not able to compete and those who are going, I have decided to attend. I know I will not be competing with what APTA calls “the best of the best.” But, at least the drivers who do attend can say they competed against “one” of the best.
There has been an offer from LA Metro to move the Roadeo to the APTA Annual Meeting in September. I find what SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin told the San Francisco Examiner interesting: “We believe Kevin Grady should have the opportunity to defend his International Roadeo title, which is why we are calling on APTA to postpone or move the event to a different location.”
The drivers and maintenance teams who compete in these roadeos have spent long hours preparing for this event. Many have purchased airfare and planned vacations around this event. Many of these driver have contacted me. They are heartbroken over the politics that have crushed their dreams.
