June 22, 2011
OPERATOR KEITH STRAIT FINISHES FIRST PLACE IN 2011 CDTA BUS OPERATOR ROADEO
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN PHIL JORDAN SCORES FIRST PLACE IN 2011 MAINTENANCE ROADEO
(Albany, NY) – The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced the top finishers of the 2011 CDTA annual Bus Roadeo competitions held on June 22, 2011.
The CDTA Bus Operator Roadeo competition was held at Crossgates Mall parking lot. This is the 24th CDTA Bus Operator Roadeo competition organized since 1985.
First Place Finisher: Keith Strait- Schenectady Division,26 years of service
Second Place Finisher: Robert Rzeszuto- Schenectady Division, 25 years of service
Third Place Finishers: Mark Hichman- Schenectady Division,17 years of service
Rookie Winner: Brian O’Connell- Troy Division,Less than 1 year of service
Today, Schenectady Operator Keith Strait scored his 3rd “First place” consecutive win in CDTA Operator Roadeo competitions. He also placed first in 2009, and 2010. In prior Roadeo competitions, Strait placed 2nd in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and 3rd in 2000 and 2004. All top finishers will go on to represent CDTA in the New York State Roadeo competition hosted by CDTA. this Fall.
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) also announced the winners of the 2011 CDTA 5th annual Bus Maintenance Roadeo competition held today at CDTA Albany Division Training facility.
First Place Finisher: Phil Jordan - Albany Division
Second Place Finisher: Dave Williams- Albany Division
Third Place Finisher: Brad Hoffman- Albany Division
The CDTA Bus Maintenance Roadeo is designed to encourage excellence and professionalism in bus transit operations and to test skills acquired through Project Empire training programs. Technicians compete in a series of timed events, to include a written test, a bus inspection and the repair of several diagnostic trouble-shooting exercises laden with preset defects.
All three winners will go on to represent CDTA in the New York State Maintenance Roadeo competition in the Fall. Winners of the State competition will go on to the International Bus Maintenance Roadeo Competition to be held next year.
