St. Cloud Metro Bus Driver Wins State Bus Roadeo Competition

(KNSI) — Minnesota’s best bus drivers gathered last weekend for what’s become the ultimate test of their skills behind the wheel, and once again, St. Cloud Metro Bus came out on top.

The 38th Annual Statewide Bus Roadeo took place Saturday at Minnesota North College’s Mesabi Range Campus in Virginia, bringing together some of the state’s best bus operators for a friendly but competitive showdown. It’s like the Olympics for transit drivers, where precision parking and safety know-how take center stage instead of speed.

Metro Bus sent six drivers to represent the company, splitting evenly between their Dial-a-Ride small bus operators and Fixed Route large bus drivers. They were up against drivers from across Minnesota, with 18 competitors in the small bus category and 12 in the large bus division.

David Peacock clinched first place in the Small Bus Division for the third straight year. Keith Drake snagged second place in the same category. In the Large Bus Division, Jason Hiivala drove his way to second place while Carl Hallberg rounded out the podium in third.

Wayne Prescott, another Dial-a-Ride operator, and Fixed Route driver Mike Stommes both turned in strong performances that landed them high finishes in their respective divisions.

The Minnesota Public Transit Association puts on the annual event to celebrate the skill and dedication of bus operators statewide.

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