TARTA, Dayton Operators Shine At Toledo's First Bus Roadeo In Years

Sunday presented an opportunity for TARTA and Dayton RTA operators to show their skills and connect with the community, as TARTA hosted its first Bus Roadeo in decades.

Look for more pictures of this event on TARTA's social sites in the days to come.

Joseph Mockbee from the Dayton Regional Transit Authority and David Keriko from TARTA recorded the top scores to earn spots in the 2026 APTA International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City. Ten operators made their way through a course that tested them on a number of driving skills. 

Chad Matuszewski placed second among TARTA operators, and Tracy Thomas captured third place. Andrew Reynolds recorded a strong second from Dayton RTA.

Other TARTA operators who took part in the competition included:

• Teresa Gallo
• Davida James
• Afrika Malone
• Ray McQueen
• Steve Villagomez

The event also included food trucks (El Padrino, Toledo Let's Eat, Jen's Frozen Homemade Delights), kids activities and games, music from Javi Rico Sounds, a motorcycle safety demonstration on the course from the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, amazing line dancing performances by Women On the Move, and screenings from the Neighborhood Health Association.

Thanks to everyone who attended, the Team TARTA volunteers who helped put it together and make it work, and all the organizations who helped make it such a special event, including:

• Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Toledo Police Department
• Toledo Fire Department

TARTA has an incredible team of drivers, and it was great to be able to give them the opportunity to show off their skills. We look forward to similar events in the future.