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

CATS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ANNUAL BUS ROADEO 

Charlotte, N.C., April 20, 2009 - The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is pleased to announce the top Bus Operators from this weekend’s local Bus Roadeo.  Lonny Earnhardt took top honors in the Bus Operations Division (BOD) Roadeo Competition for 2009.  Second place went to James Wimbish and third place to Junior Bush.  In the Special Transportation Service (STS) Roadeo Competition, bus operator Linville Plexico placed first, with Henry Minnett and Richard Fox taking second and third. 

This year 24 BOD and STS operators took part in the competition on Saturday, April 18.  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 (7433) or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.