TARTA's Keriko and Cherry and Dayton RTA's Reynolds Take Top Prizes At Bus Roadeo

TARTA’s team of fixed route and paratransit operators show their skill every day on the roads of northwest Ohio, and had another chance to do so in September at TARTA’s Bus Roadeo competition.

TARTA brought back its Bus Roadeo contest – a community event for team members and their families that includes food trucks, family activities and dancing – last year after an 18-year hiatus. TARTA fixed route and TARTA Move paratransit operators competed for prizes and a spot in international competitions next year, and TARTA also welcomed three fixed route operators from Dayton RTA’s competition.

TARTA’s David Keriko and RTA’s Andrew Reynolds earned first place finishes and qualified for the APTA International Bus Roadeo April 16-20, 2027 in Seattle. This is the second year in a row Keriko has won the top prize for TARTA’s fixed route team.

The paratransit competition was won by TARTA Move operator Chris Cherry, who qualifies for the Community Transportation Association of America’s Bus Roadeo June 6-9, 2027 in Atlantic City.

Tracy Thomas placed second and Fatina Harris third among TARTA fixed route operators. TARTA Move’s Donterrian Neal finished second and Joseph Hughes third in the paratransit contest, and from Dayton RTA, Joseph Mockbee placed second and Courtney Blackmon third.

Other TARTA fixed route competitors included:

Andrea Berry
Sierra Hines
Ebonylynn Jackson
Robin Nobles
Terrance Sisson

El Padrino Street Tacos, FatBoyz and Porky’s Sweet Spot food trucks were there to provide lunch to attendees. Music was provided by DJ Big Trav, dancing demonstrations from the YMCA’s Women on the Move and El Corazon de Mexico took center stage, and even more music was provided by Ray and Friends, a three-piece band featuring TARTA operator Rayshawn McQueen.

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 with their participation, including:

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.