The Roadeo reinforces safe-driving habits and operator professionalism behind the wheel. In total, 18 public transit agencies and 48 drivers competed for points on a written exam, an obstacle course, assisting a passenger with wheelchair securements and a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
CATA CEO/Executive Director Sandy Draggoo and operators Steve Soliz, Kate Gardner and Mike Beech.
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CATA CEO/Executive Director Sandy Draggoo and operators Steve Soliz, Kate Gardner and Mike Beech.
In a competition that tested drivers’ knowledge and skills behind the wheel, Lansing, Mich.’s Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus operators were awarded top honors. Mike Beech placed first in the individual competition and, along with fellow CATA operators Kate Gardner and Steve Soliz, took first place in the team competition.
“We are very excited, and we are very proud of our operators,” said CATA CEO/Executive Director Sandy Draggoo. “Not only did they do an outstanding job representing our agency in competition, but they do so every day in service to our customers.”
The Roadeo reinforces safe-driving habits and operator professionalism behind the wheel. In total, 18 public transit agencies and 48 drivers competed for points on a written exam, an obstacle course, assisting a passenger with wheelchair securements and a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
“We definitely put a lot of pressure on ourselves in practice,” Beech said. “We called it ‘tough love.’ We were confident going in, and we really wanted to do well.”
Beech advances to the national competition in May 2016 at the Community Transportation Association of America’s National Bus Roadeo in Portland, Ore.
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Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
