Mountain Empire Transit earned the top team award for the third consecutive year at the annual Community Transportation Association of Virginia’s Paratransit Roadeo.
The team has won the competition’s top honor for eight of the past 10 years.
MET’s four-member team competed against transit operators from throughout the state on April 29 at Fishersville. The competition tests various skills, focusing on safety and passenger sensitivity.
MET team members won several individual honors and together earned the overall highest score in the competition. The competition includes two divisions: body-on-chassis and mini-van. Operators in both divisions complete a written safety test, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement exercise and obstacle course.
MET drivers Jeff and Betty Whisman, husband and wife, placed second and third, respectively, in the van division. Jeff Whisman will represent MET at the National Community Transportation Roadeo on May 20-21 in Oklahoma City, Okla., and compete against drivers nationwide.
Driver Jon Lovell placed second in the best driver competition in the body-on-chassis division. He also had the highest scores in the curb stop and right-hand reverse categories of the obstacle course competition.
Driver Irene Mullins won Rookie of the Year.
“We are proud of the Mountain Empire Transit team for their performance during the roadeo. Seeing our drivers’ skills showcased and recognized among operators throughout Virginia is great. All of our transit staff work hard year-round. Safety is always our top priority, and the annual roadeo allows us to put that on display,” said MET Director Mitchell Elliott.
Call Mountain Empire Transit at (276) 523-7433 to learn more about its services.
Pictured left to right are drivers Jon Lovell and Irene Mullins, MET Director Mitch Elliott, Operations Director Will Wright, and drivers Betty and Jeff Whisman.