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Strong showing by Huntsville Transit operators in statewide competition

Published on March 12, 2021

Five Huntsville Transit operators were among those who placed at the 2021 Alabama RTAP Bus & Paratransit Roadeo competition at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula on March 5-6.

In the Large Bus division, Alvin Franklin placed first, Reychal Lewis placed second and Modjeska Eldridge placed fourth. All three employees are fixed-route bus operators for Huntsville Orbit.

A group of bus operators pose for a photo at a statewide competition.
Five Huntsville Transit bus operators competed in the 2021 Alabama RTAP Bus & Paratransit Roadeo competition at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula on March 5-6. Seated from right are Alvin Franklin, Modjeska Eldridge, Xantheia Watkins, Crystal Tindall and Reychal Lewis. At rear are John Autry, public transit manager; Marie Stephan, transit operations supervisor; and Trae Wiley, transit operations supervisor.

In the Small Bus division, Huntsville Access operators Crystal Tindall and Xantheia Watkins placed eighth and 10th, respectively.

“Their performance at this event is certainly a bright spot for not only our City transit system, but the City as a whole,” said John Autry, manager of public transportation for the City. “Our mission is to take care of our citizens daily, and our team of talented drivers do it safely and in a way that reflects positively on our community.”

Presented by the Alabama Rural Transit Assistance Program (ALTRANS), a division of the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Roadeo is a two-day event that includes training and competition. The top rural and urban bus operators from across the state participate in the event.

Drivers are given an opportunity to show their skills during several challenges, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement and an obstacle course. Winners are determined by the highest scores across the four events.

First-place winners are automatically qualified to compete in the Community Transportation Association of America’s National Bus and Paratransit Roadeo in Richmond, Virginia, Nov. 7-8.

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