Blacksburg Transit Operators Recieve Top Honors at State Bus Roadeo

Blacksburg Transit operators receive top honors at the 2017 Virginia State Bus Roadeo.

BT sent a team of four operators and three mechanics to compete in Roanoke at the State Bus Roadeo on Sunday, April 9. Drivers from across the state competed against each other in a series of events including a written test, appearance test and a timed obstacle course.  In order to succeed at the overall event, an operator must excel in all aspects of the competition.

Scott Tmay was awarded the Overall Best Operator trophy for receiving the highest score out of all operators who competed in the 35 foot and 40 foot bus categories. He will represent Virginia at the International Roadeo in Reno, Nevada in May.

The four person team made up of Jon Barnes, Chris Tyler, Alan Simpson and Scott each received high scores in all individual events, leading to the group winning the first place Operator Team trophy for having the highest overall score.  This is the second year in a row that BT has won this award.

Chris Tyler placed second in the 40 foot bus division and Scott Tmay took first place in the 35 foot division.

Jon Barnes received the Virginia Transit Liability Pool Chairperson’s Award for the operator with the highest combined score in the Safe Vehicle Operation categories. 

"Our staff continues to put their best foot forward each and every day. We know we have the best operators in Virginia, but having our peers also recognize this really affirms how good they are.  I couldn’t be prouder of the operators at BT and their commitment to being the best,” said Tom Fox, transit director.