Posted on Friday, March 17, 2017
Myrtle Beach (SC) – Each year the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) hosts a statewide roadeo competition for all transit authorities with the local transit authority serving as South Carolina host and organizer. On March 25, 2017, Coast RTA will serve as host of the competition in which competitors will maneuver transit buses within a defined course. The timed competition is scheduled for 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Speedway, 455 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach.
TASC will hold its annual conference in Myrtle Beach on March 23-25. The conference is intended for training new members, showcasing the latest in industry products and services available, and to provide opportunities for networking. Conference attendees are transit Executive Directors; Human Service Directors; Councils on Aging representatives; education officials and their staff, which include the following areas of management: human resources, procurement, finance, maintenance, training, vehicle operators, and quality assurance. Local, State, and Federal Officials are also in attendance each year.
“It’s that time of year when everyone in transit operations looks forward to this competition,” says Doug Herriott, Transportation Manager of Coast RTA and South Carolina Roadeo Event Chair. “We encourage all transit agencies to round up their best drivers and technicians and come prepared for a fun day of competition at the Myrtle Beach Speedway. It’s truly the perfect location for this competition. Who else can boast of a race track to hold a roadeo?”
“This annual event honors the talents and skills of transit drivers and maintenance technicians throughout the state. The on-course competition is a crowning day for transit authority bragging rights,” explains Brian Piascik, General Manager of Coast RTA.
“It’s enthralling to watch professional drivers maneuver vehicles through a challenging obstacle course. Local winners from across South Carolina will converge on Myrtle Beach Speedway to compete during this statewide competition to take home awards and bragging rights,” Piascik said. “We’re proud of Doug and his team for their hard work and dedication in orchestrating the Roadeo. Go Coast RTA!”
Coast RTA has several drivers competing in three categories during the TASC Roadeo:40-foot competition:Gary Bradley and Matt Simon;Cutaway Competition:Arian Nikolla and Melissa Grier; and the35-foot competition: Alban Alla and Tausheeda Bellamy.
The Roadeo competition will end with its annual Awards Banquet recognizing the champions in each division. Registration for the competition is $100 and includes the Roadeo Competition, Roadeo Breakfast, Lunch and Awards Banquet. Participants may purchase additional Banquet tickets for guests at $70 each, which includes Roadeo Breakfast, Lunch and Awards Banquet.