Kitsap Transit operator and maintenance team bring home awards at state Roadeo

Kitsap Transit ACCESS operator Robert Floyd, left, took first in the Body-on-Chassis division at the state Roadeo Competition on Aug. 13. (Photo: Tomas Patlan).

Kitsap Transit’s employees had a strong showing at the 2023 Washington State Transit Association Roadeo competition this year, with ACCESS operator Robert Floyd taking home first place in the Body-on-Chassis division and the maintenance team finishing a strong third in the Maintenance Roadeo.

Every year, Kitsap Transit employees participate in local, regional and state Roadeo events to showcase their proficiency in the technical skills that go into operating and maintaining buses.

Floyd, a Kitsap Transit operator since 2002, came in first place in the Aug. 13 competition, which drew 30 contestants from across the state in a test of driving skill and safety. Competitors are judged on performance in four areas: a written test, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement and an obstacle course.

Robert placed first in the Body-on-Chassis division and also won the pre-trip wheelchair securement portion of the competition.

This is the latest in a long line of Roadeo accolades for Robert, who has consistently placed in the top three finishers at the state competition and has competed in the National Roadeo four times prior to 2023. In 2018, he placed 2nd in the nation in the Body-On-Chassis division.

Since he placed in the top three again this year, Robert will represent Kitsap Transit at nationals later this year. Congratulations, Robert!

KT mechanics win bronze

Kitsap Transit mechanics Rubin Castro Guijosa, Spencer Winslow and Jarred Gregersen took third place out of seven teams in the Maintenance Roadeo portion of the state competition. The team previously won the regional competition in Olympia. Prior to that, KT mechanics took home second-place honors in the 2019 state competition.

During the roadeo, technicians compete in several events and a written test. The events test mechanics’ skill in diagnosing and repairing performance-related bus issues while on a time limit. Events include identifying hidden defects across a 40-foot Gillig bus and diagnosing and fixing airbrake systems, air conditioning units, control boards and slide doors.

Congratulations to Rubin, Spencer and Jarred!

Check out photos from the maintenance competition below, courtesy of C-TRAN.