Some of Capital Metro’s outstanding drivers and mechanics will compete at the state, national and international levels after earning top honors at the local roadeo.

Arthur Murillo, a three-time international champion, took first place in the 35-foot bus category, and Porfirio “Pete” Rivera won the 40-foot bus category. Ted Ward won first place in the paratransit van category, and the winning vehicle maintenance team consisted of Mike Clements, Phillip O’Neal, and Gary Hosea.

The top two competitors in the 35-foot bus, 40-foot bus, and paratransit van categories, as well as the winning vehicle maintenance team, will compete in the state roadeo on April 17 in Corpus Christi. Murillo, the overall top performer, will advance to the International Bus Roadeo, Apr. 30 – May 5, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The 2010 Capital Metro Roadeo showcased the safety, customer service, and technical skills of operators and mechanics from Capital Metro’s service providers StarTran, Veolia, and First Transit.

The vehicle maintenance competition took place on Oct. 30 at Capital Metro’s headquarters. The driving competitions occurred at the Leander Station on Nov. 1.

In the Big Shoot-Out competition between the general managers of Capital Metro’s three main service providers, First Transit General Manager Scott Lansing took top honors.

“The annual roadeo supports Capital Metro’s commitment to safety and customer service and reinforces the high standards we maintain for all bus operators and mechanics who wear a Capital Metro uniform,” said Doug Allen, Capital Metro Interim President/CEO.

Top Competitors
35-Foot Bus
1st: Arthur Murillo—StarTran, Inc.
2nd: Abdelkader Tenouri—StarTran, Inc.
3rd: Juan Maldonado—StarTran, Inc.

40-Foot Bus
1st: Porfirio "Pete" Rivera—StarTran, Inc.
2nd: Tony Payton—StarTran, Inc.
3rd: Amos Underwood—StarTran, Inc.

Paratransit Van
1st: Ted Ward—StarTran, Inc.
2nd: Wally Acosta—StarTran, Inc.
3rd: Gerald Oltman—StarTran, Inc.

Vehicle Maintenance
1st: Mike Clements, Phillip O’Neal, Gary Hosea—StarTran, Inc.