SCAT drivers top rodeo competitors

Three Sarasota County Transit bus drivers are among the best on the Gulf Coast, recently earning the highest average score in the annual Interagency Bus Rodeo in St. Petersburg, returning after a two-year COVID hiatus.

Drivers Gabe Cole, Jeff Lander and Scott Dailey competed against others from Manatee Area Transit, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and GoPasco.

The rodeo evaluates a driver’s ability to deliver a smooth, safe, timely ride. Winning drivers qualify to compete in the Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo in Orlando March 31-April 1. Dailey and Cole advanced to the statewide competition.

“These competitions are a welcome opportunity to celebrate the dedication and professionalism of public transit drivers with neighboring transit agencies,” said Director of Sarasota County Transit Jane Grogg in a news release. “The skills drivers demonstrate during the rodeo reinforce the success of our driver training programs and highlight the safety, care and proficiency our drivers exercise every day.”

Drivers are evaluated on ability to maneuver sharp and serpentine turns, reverse into small spaces and position a 40-foot bus, among other skills. An obstacle course also tests the driver’s ability to navigate traffic barrels as they slow the vehicle from 20 mph to a designated stopping point.