Bus Operators’ Roadeo Course: 40 ft. Bus 49 APPENDIX 4: OPERATOR’S OBSTACLE DESCRIPTIONS Serpentine This obstacle tests a driver’s ability to negotiate tight turns. The driver is required to enter a gate, steer in and out through three cones, and exit the obstacle through another gate.
2019 INTERNATIONAL BUS ROADEO HANDBOOK Published by the International Bus Roadeo Committee American Public Transportation Association 1300 I Street, NW Suite 1200 E Washington, DC 20005 (202) 496-4800 Fax: (202) 496-4324 www.apta.com International Bus Roadeo Handbook © 2019 American Public Transportation Association FOREWORD
FOREWORD The American Public Transportation Association is proud to present the APTA International Bus Roadeo Handbook. The International Bus Roadeo includes competition events for both bus operators and bus technicians.
A:No. Maintenance team members are not allowed at the Roadeo site prior to the day of competition. Any violation of this policy may cause your team to be disqualified from competition. 48 APPENDIX 3: OPERATORS’ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ** The 2019 International Bus Roadeo will only use the 40+ foot bus. Both course layouts are typical.
This cone is likely to be hit as the rear of the vehicle swings through the turn. Watch the entrance cones on the second set for bumper contact, and watch the tires of the bus as they pass by the base of the cones.
Contestants requiring more than 7 minutes to complete the driving course will be assessed a penalty of 1 point per second over 7 minutes. At 8 minutes the clock will stop and point accrual will cease. The on-board timer will announce the 7 minute mark, but will not announce the 8 minute mark. 2.
Measure the distance from the cone to the bumper by placing the yardstick on top of the cone, with the 1" increments on the yardstick starting at the end toward the vehicle.
At the Roadeo, drivers compete against each other using their skills in precision driving and knowledge of laws. Each event is either timed or measured to determine the score. The events consist of an obstacle course which includes backing, parallel parking, right and left hand turns, student loading/unloading as well as written exams on laws and vehicle inspections. Many hours of practice are needed for perfection, to receive the maximum amount of points per event. Drivers spend many hours to reach a superior level of excellence. In most Companies and School Districts, the practice time is on a volunteer basis and uncompensated. Many hours are also put into detailing their buses for competition. Drivers wax the floors of their buses, polish interior ceilings, clean and polish tires. Exteriors waxed and every water spot removed.
State Roadeos are administered by the State Association and sponsored by the leaders in the school transportation industry. Two Sectional State Roadeos and a State Championship Roadeo are held each year.
Roadeo is a great skill builder that is beneficial to the drivers, the company, school district and the students that ride the bus.
The main focus of a School Bus Roadeo is SAFETY. The more training and practice a driver has the safer he or she will be. At the Roadeo drivers compete against each other using their skills in precision driving. Each event is either timed or measured to determine the score.