Oct 17, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2006 

FORT MYERS, FL  (October 17, 2006) – They don't look like cowboys, but LeeTran's bus drivers will try to tame a 35-foot "bronco" at the agency's Roadeo competition on Sunday, October 22. 

The bronco is a 35-foot bus that must be navigated through a slalom-like obstacle course within seven minutes.  The event will be held in the parking lot of Edison College at the corner of Summerlin Road and Cypress Lake Drive. The bus roadeo will begin at 8 a.m., and the paratransit roadeo at 1 p.m. 

The winners of the LeeTran Roadeos will advance to the statewide competition in Jacksonville in March. State winners compete in the international competition to be held in Nashville in May. 

Drivers are awarded points for smoothness, safety and accuracy, as well as speed. A team of judges assesses their performance from both inside and outside the bus, with a laser gun to determine speed. 

"Every day, our drivers navigate an obstacle course known as the Lee County road system," says Transit Director Steve Myers. "Driving a 35- to 40-foot bus isn't as easy as it may look, and this competition gives our drivers a chance to show off their expertise." 

LeeTran staff, family and friends will be cheering on their favorite driver, and the public is also welcome to attend.

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