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

WINNERS OF CATS' ANNUAL BUS ROADEO ANNOUNCED

Charlotte, N.C., April 14, 2008 - 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 state and International Bus Roadeo competitions. 
 
Junior Bush took top honors in the Bus Operations Division (BOD) Roadeo Competition for 2008.  Bush will represent CATS' at the International Bus Roadeo in Austin, Texas next month.  Second place went to Lonny Earnhardt and third place to Carmen Aleman.  Bush, Earnhardt 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 Henry Minnett placed first, with Linville Plexico and Richard Fox taking second and third.   All three will also advance to the state competition in Wilmington.

This year 36 BOD and STS operators took part in the competition on Saturday, April 12.  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.