2023 Bus Roadeo & Raildeo

METRO's Bus and Rail Roadeo returned for 2023! The beloved METRO tradition lets employees showcase their driving and maintenance skills in a friendly competition that could lead to international recognition.

"The Roadeo is one of the many initiatives by METRO to promote safety, excellence, and professionalism among its workforce," said METRO Director of Operational Training Nannette Daugherty.

The competition simulates real-world scenarios that employees may encounter while operating or maintaining a transit vehicle and is the ultimate test of driving skill and maintenance expertise. Apart from the competition, however, it also serves as a valuable training ground and provides a community-building experience for participants.

METRO's Bus and Rail Roadeo is Back: The beloved METRO tradition brings together transit professionals from across the agency to showcase their driving and maintenance skills.

While competitors battle for bragging rights and prizes like gift cards and all-expense-paid trips to regional and international competitions, the event is also a valuable opportunity for continued learning. Participants can improve their safety, customer service, and professional development skills, leaving with better knowledge and aptitude that will help them excel in their work, whether or not they receive a trophy.

METRO Board Members and executive leadership staff also took part in a competition of their own. METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran, along with Board Members Diann Lewter and Bob Fry, who took the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test their driving skills as part of the VIP competition, secured first, second, and third place, respectively. METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert expressed his admiration for transit operators. 

“Transit operators are superstars. When you get behind the wheel of a 40-foot bus, you realize the incredible amount of skill it takes to operate one of these vehicles safely and efficiently,” said METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert. “It really makes you appreciate the hard work operators do to provide an essential service to the millions of people living in our region.”

METRO Bus Mechanics take part in a diesel engine module as part of METRO’s Bus Mechanic Roadeo competition.

Winners are eligible to advance to the state-level competition, as well as the International Bus & Rail Roadeo hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

"Advancing to APTA's International Bus Roadeo is a highly respected achievement," said Daugherty. "It's truly the best of the best in North America, and I'm proud to say Houston METRO has had several champions."

METRO extends its congratulations to all of this year’s winners and looks forward to seeing results from the regional and international competitions.

Click here to watch video highlights of the Bus Roadeo.