The Office of Transportation Services (OTS) recently hosted its annual Bus Road-eo competition. Stonecroft Transportation Center, typically used as a bus lot with a modular office for transportation staff, was transformed for the day into a space for friendly sport, team-building activities, and community connection. 

Drivers of big buses, drivers of small buses, and attendants competed. Participants first took a written test where they were quizzed on their driving knowledge. Questions were pulled from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the pupil transportation manual, and the commercial driver's license manual. 

The driving challenge saw competitors maneuver through nine difficult stations, always starting with their pre-trip inspection before ever getting behind the wheel. The stations pushed drivers to the brink of their skills ranging from backing up into narrow alleyways to driving in a straight line with only one inch of tire clearance on either side of their tires. 

Attendants were tested on their professional skills, including using the bus lift, securing wheelchair-bound students safely, and other duties. 

Spectators, competitors, and their families enjoyed food trucks, a moonbounce, vendors, raffles, children’s games, while a DJ played tunes throughout the day. 

This year’s winner, Nicholas Rocha, heard about driving a school bus for FCPS when his mechanic colleague started driving in his retirement. “When I heard about the benefits and that we could bring our kids, I left my job down the road to become a driver,” shared Nick. He’s now been with the county for eight years and has no plan of leaving anytime soon.

“I always wanted to be a teacher but couldn’t afford a college degree,” Nick shared. When the opportunity to work with children, spend additional time with his children, and make a livable wage arose, Nick knew this was his calling. 

“To drive, you kind of need to be a kid at heart. I love being able to teach [my students] and share my knowledge,” said Nick.