Metro Bus Operator Takes Gold at State Bus Roadeo, Others Place High

(KNSI) — For the second year in a row, a St. Cloud Metro Bus operator took first place in the state Bus Roadeo.

On Saturday, July 20, the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) hosted the 37th Annual Statewide Bus Roadeo at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. The annual event brings together bus operators from across Minnesota to showcase their safety and service skills.

Metro Bus sent three Dial-a-Ride (small bus) operators and three Fixed Route (large bus) operators to compete. The competition featured 12 entrants in the Large Bus Division and 20 in the Small Bus Division.

Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride Operator David Peacock secured first place in the Small Bus Division. The other Metro Bus competitors, Dial-a-Ride Operators Chris Osmek and Keith Drake, and Fixed Route Operators Clint Benner, Jason Hiivala, and Joel Lafrentz, also placed highly in their respective divisions.

St. Cloud Metro Bus operates seven days a week and provides over one million Fixed Route, Dial-a-Ride and commuter bus passenger trips annually in St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park.

___