MCDOT Congratulates Winners of the 2019 Bus Roadeo

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 16, 2019

MCDOT Transit Chief of Operations Michael Nesselt, Nicholson Court Section Chief
James Ryan, Bus Operator Murid Omid with his daughter, and MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh

MCDOT Ride On Bus Operator Murid Omid took first place in the annual Montgomery County Ride On Bus “Roadeo” held on Saturday, September 14 in Gaithersburg. He and his daughter posed with MCDOT leaders after the event with the winning trophy.

A competition of driving skill, the Roadeo produces an annual winner who goes on to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Bus Roadeo, which will be held next May in San Antonio.  

“It’s always a pleasure to watch our bus operators participate in this friendly skill-based competition,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh. “The name of the game is safety, and I congratulate Murid Omid and all our competitors for the wonderful example they set for Ride On drivers.”

In the team competition, the Silver Spring Depot took first place. Operators Tomeka Brown, Erskine Hodge and James Russell comprised the winning team.

Bus operators are judged by their ability to successfully maneuver around 11 obstacles within seven minutes. Operators are also judged on personal appearance, smoothness of operations, their knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, safety habits, and how they perform a pre-trip bus inspection. The guidelines and judging criteria are specified by APTA.

MCDOT Transit Chief of Operations Mike Nesselt, Bus Operator Erskine Hodge,
Silver Spring Section Chief Andre Lucas, Bus Operator Tomeka Brown, Bus Operator
James Russell, Silver Spring Transit Operations Supervisor Kofi Bempah and
MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh

Release ID: 19-152
Media Contact: Maureen McNulty 240-777-7199