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Kitsap Transit operators, maintenance team place in international transit rodeo; agency highlights training value
Summary
Kitsap Transit recognized operators and maintenance staff who competed in an international bus rodeo; an operator placed 19th of 75 and the maintenance team placed 14th of 52, with top finishes in two maintenance modules, which agency leaders said reflects training investments.
KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — Kitsap Transit on May 6 publicly recognized agency operators and maintenance staff who competed at an international bus rodeo competition in Texas.
Executive Director John Claussen told the board routed operator Val Quayle placed 19th out of 75 drivers in the international bus rodeo and that the Kitsap Transit maintenance team (Ruben, John and Spencer) placed 14th out of 52 teams. Claussen said the maintenance team took first place in two modules and set a top time in an electronic diagnostic module, noting the team diagnosed and corrected multiple simulated faults in a short period during competition.
Nut graf: Board members and staff emphasized the practical training value of competition: agency leaders said the diagnostic and modular training aids purchased for practice helped improve skills that benefit day‑to‑day maintenance and safety.
Claussen described the rodeo events — such as a diminishing clearance barrel course for drivers and timed maintenance diagnostic modules — and highlighted that competing on unfamiliar equipment and under time pressure is a notable demonstration of skill. Claussen asked the board to recognize maintenance staff and the agency presented medals and a brief video from the competition.
Discussion vs. decision: This agenda item was a staff recognition and had no formal board action other than public acknowledgment. Claussen and other board members praised the teams’ performance and noted training investments will continue.
Ending: The board and staff thanked the competitors; staff said modular training aids will remain in service for operator and maintenance training.
