SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) - Dozens of buses lined up at Thurston High School Saturday to compete in the 38th annual "bus roadeo."
Yep, you read it right, roadeo!
The competition, hosted by the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association, offers an opportunity for bus drivers to show off their skills through written and driving tests.
People come from all over the state to compete, including areas such as Portland, Fern Ridge, Bend and more.
The outdoor obstacle course tested drivers' reverse skills, parelell parking and more. In some cases, they had to meet their mark within inches. The obstacle course also had barrel weaves and tested proper procedures for railroad crossings, crosswalks and knowledge in handicapped student loading.
Those drivers who scored high enough move on to the international 'bus roadeo' competition in Wisconsin.
"It's a chance to show what they have, it's a learning experience, it helps sharpen their skills," explained OPTA State President Chris Ellison. "We do this just to keep our drivers safe because we do transport the most precious cargo that we have and that is the kids."
Ellison told NewsSource 16 Albany bus drivers typically do very well, usually sending drivers every year to the international tournament.
