JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 22, 2024) — Acting as the host agency for the first time since 2019, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) showcased its talented operators and maintenance technicians at the Florida Triple Crown Roadeo this weekend.
The Florida Triple Crown Roadeo featured JTA's Local Bus and Maintenance Roadeo champions competing against 23 participating organizations represented by over 60 competing Roadeo champions from other Florida transportation agencies. Similar to the JTA's Local Bus and Maintenance Roadeo held in February, the Florida Triple Crown Roadeo participants were scored on the successful completion of various challenges and obstacles that simulated on the job scenarios.
"It was a pleasure to serve as the host of this year's Florida Triple Crown Roadeo," said JTA CEO Nat Ford. "Our talented bus operators and maintenance technicians once again showed their impeccable skills in driving and maintaining our vehicles. I look forward to seeing them showcase their craft on a national stage at the International Bus Roadeo later this month."
Within the Maintenance competitions, JTA Paratransit Maintenance Technician Melvin Nesmith won the A/C Module competition, with a winning score of 300 points. The Maintenance Technician team of Gilberto Dorta, George McGarry, and Rudy Wells won the I/O Controls competition with 350 total points. The team also won the Cummins Engine Module competition with 450 points and the Highest Vapor Door Module competition with 350 points. They finished in second place overall within the Fixed Route Maintenance division.
Within the Fixed Route Operations division, long-time JTA Bus Operator Ramon Farfan won the Pre-Trip Inspection competition with 30 total points. Farfan finished in second place overall in the division.
The Florida Triple Crown Roadeo is a joint annual event with collaboration between the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA), the Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Florida Association of Coordinated Transit Systems (FACTS), the Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), and the JTA.
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About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Jacksonville, Florida and Northeast Florida with multi-modal responsibilities. The JTA provides varied mass public transit services, and is a builder of roads, bridges and other infrastructure to enhance mobility in Jacksonville. Public transportation services include BRT and regular bus service, paratransit, the St. Johns River Ferry, Skyway APM, and other mobility and on-demand services in Duval, Clay, Baker, Nassau and St. Johns counties. To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com.