YRT bus drivers compete for their version of an Oscar

June 8, 2014
YorkRegion.ca
Sandra Bolan

Being named the YRT Bus Roadeo champion is like winning an Oscar, according to Greg Brady, operations manager for YRT.

Twelve of YRT’s best bus drivers were put through their paces this morning during the seventh annual event in Richmond Hill, to see who would be going to Texas next year to take part in the American Public Transit Association Bus Roadeo.

Another driver from Ottawa will also represent Ontario.

Drivers had to make their way through 10 events, including passenger pick up, a slalom course, close proximity stop and dual rear wheel clearance.

A perfect score is 650 points. Most of these drivers will finish with between 400 and 500 points, according to Brady.

The challenge of the event is what has brought Tom Andrus to  the roadeo for the past six years. He’s never missed the finals, but has yet to win.

“It’s nerve racking. It’s something we go through every day when we’re driving,” the 12-year YRT bus operator said.

The winner of the event not only gets to go to Texas next year, but he or she also wins $500 and a ring. The runnerup receives $250 and the third place driver takes home $100.

The event started earlier in the week with 800 drivers.