IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

WINNERS OF CATS' BUS ROADEO ADVANCE TO INTERNATIONAL AND STATE COMPETITION

Charlotte, N.C., April 17, 2007 - The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is pleased to announce the top Bus Operators from this weekend's local Bus Roadeo.  The winners will advance to the State and International Bus Roadeo competitions. 

Lonny Earnhardt took top honors in the Bus Operations Division (BOD) Roadeo Competition for the second year in a row.  Earnhardt will represent CATS' at the International Bus Roadeo in Nashville, Tennessee in May.  Second place went to Junior Bush and third place to Carmen Aleman.  Earnhardt, Bush and Aleman will compete in the North Carolina State Bus Roadeo competition in Wilmington in June.

In the Special Transportation Service (STS) Roadeo Competition, bus operator Linville Plexico also placed first for the second year in a row, with Sheryl Garnes and Richard Fox taking second and third.   All three will also advance to the state competition in Wilmington.

This year 15 BOD and 12 STS operators took part in the competition on Saturday, April 14.  The "Roadeo" gave bus operators the chance to test their driving and safety skills. Drivers had to navigate the bus through an obstacle course in a safe and timely manner.

The course consisted of different driving elements including passenger stops, serpentine turns and backing maneuvers.
They also were judged on their professional appearance, pre-trip inspection and a written safety test.

To learn more about CATS and its services, please call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.