WARREN, Mich. – Bus drivers do more than follow a route. They navigate bad weather, surprise construction and winding roads — and on Sunday, those skills were put on display at the 2nd Annual SMART Bus Roadeo.
Five fixed-route operators, two paratransit operators and three mechanics teams competed in the event, weaving through obstacles and solving problems — rain or shine.
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For some competitors, the stakes felt personal. Professional Coach Operator Semaj Richardson came in with unfinished business after last year’s competition.
“Last year I took Second Place. This year I’m hoping to win, hopefully,” Richardson said.
Richardson says his passion for the job runs deep.
“I’ve been wanting to be a bus driver my whole life ever since my dad taught me how to catch the bus as a kid,” he said.
SMART General Manager and CEO Tiffany J. Gunter says the energy from competitors made the rainy conditions feel like just another chance to shine.
“They almost welcome this challenge like give me a little rain so I can show off more,” Gunter said.
“They’ve been practicing and they’re ready to go and I’m just excited to cheer them on,” she said.
Gunter says the event does more than test skills — it builds morale. Friends and family turned out to cheer on competitors, giving staff a rare moment to celebrate the craft they practice every day.
For Richardson, that celebration is part of what makes the job worthwhile.
“Whenever you get to come out and do what you love everyday it’s an added bonus,” he said.
Every competitor at the roadeo was vying for more than a trophy. Top performers earn a chance to represent SMART at the International Roadeo in Seattle.