Archive: Around Town

Bus operators and mechanics from public transit agencies across the state will descend upon Ithaca Saturday, Sept., 25, to compete in the New York Public Transit Association's 23rd Annual Bus & Maintenance Roadeo.

The bus roadeo will start at noon at Cornell University's B Lot, at the corner of Tower and Campus roads, and the maintenance portion will take place 12:30 p.m. at TCAT's garage, 737 Willow Ave.

This year, transit systems throughout New York State will send a total of 19 bus operators to compete. These operators are considered the "best of the best" and test their driving skills on a 10 part obstacle course marked with traffic cones that simulate various situations they encounter on the road. In order to qualify, operators must also maintain good attendance and safe driving records.

For the first time, the maintenance rodeo has been incorporated into the annual event and will put mechanics' skills to the test in several areas to include: diagnosing engine problems as well as other mechanical issues. Engines will be rigged with defects for mechanics to detect and repair within a certain time period. Ten mechanics from across the state will participate.

TCAT buses will also be equipped in advance to include defects that contestants must find in their pre inspection process, a requirement of all bus operators before they go out on their routes. Roadeo committee members rounded up more than 30 people to serve as judges, including New York Public Transportation Association Bus & Maintenance Roadeo committee members, TCAT bus operators and members from TCAT's Citizen Advisory Committee, Roger Segelken and Timon Stasko.

The winners from both categories will be eligible to compete in the American Public Transportation Association's International Competition in the spring of 2011.

"It is designed to promote competition, but it is also a fun event and an opportunity for camaraderie with other transit systems," said Nancy Oltz, TCAT's service development manager. Oltz and other TCAT team members began working on preparations for the annual rodeo last November, after being selected by the NYPTA Rodeo Committee to be this year's host property.

Oltz said the Downtown Ithaca Alliance is preparing materials for contestants and their families who will arrive Friday night for "a night on the Commons" to enjoy Ithaca restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Overall, Oltz and Mike Albanese, TCAT's safety and training manager, said they expect in excess of 100 people to attend the event, which is an economic boon to the Ithaca area.

TCAT hosted the rodeo in 2005, but used a venue in Syracuse. Thanks to Cornell's Transportation Services, for donating B lot, TCAT is able to host the event in its own home town.

Nancy Oltz, TCAT's service development manager, dons a TCAT with the new logo for the New York Public Transit Association's Bus & Maintenance Rodeo. The logo was designed by TCAT's artist and marketing assistant Jenn Jennings.

"We are really happy we finally were able to invite our friends from other transit agencies to enjoy all that Ithaca has to offer," Oltz said.

Popular WHCU Morning Newswatch Host Dave Vieser, a self-described "bus geek" who is known for his fascination of public transit, will serve as announcer for the event. Pre competition ceremonies will include comments from TCAT Board Chairman Frank Proto and TCAT General Manager Joe Turcotte.

Both Proto and Turcotte will also address a banquet at Ramada Inn Ithaca Saturday night, with Oltz and Albanese and Charlie Brundza, TCAT's Superintendent of Operations, handing out first, second and third place awards.

Oltz said this year's rodeo committee has been able to raise about $8,000 with both cash and in kind donations from 25 vendors and organizations. The statewide event is solely funded by participating transit systems and sponsors, she noted.