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JTA Bus Operators and Maintenance Technicians Compete for Local Roadeo Victory

(Jacksonville, FL – January 28, 2025)Jacksonville Transportation Authority Fixed Route Operators, Paratransit Operators and Maintenance Technicians competed this past Saturday in the local Roadeo competition, putting their driving and technical skills to the test in a fun and collegial atmosphere.

The competition featured a series of challenging driving and maintenance skill tests designed to push participants to their limits while promoting best practices in the transportation industry. 20 Fixed Route Operators, three Paratransit Operators and three Maintenance Technician teams competed in timed courses and challenges, demonstrating their expertise in handling complex situations on the job.
 

2025 Roadeo Winners:

Fixed Route Operators

  • 1st Place: Ramon Farfan
  • 2nd Place: Steve Pumarejo
  • 3rd Place and Rookie of the Year: Princess Johnson

Paratransit Operators

  • 1st Place: Thelmetris Tookes
  • 2nd Place and Rookie of the Year: Setina Moore
  • 3rd Place: Latoya Bennett

Maintenance Technician Teams

  • 1st Place: The Xpendables (George McGarry, Rudolph Wells and Jarrod Morales)
  • 2nd Place: The Three Craftsmen (John L. Hinson, Kurt Schneider and Jimmy Gambill)
  • 3rd Place: Dream Team (Joshua Andone, Emanuel Garza and Henry Williams)

"The Roadeo is a celebration of the incredible skill, dedication, and professionalism of our bus operators and maintenance technicians. For more than 50 years, this event has highlighted the talent within the JTA while providing an opportunity for our teams to sharpen their skills. Seeing their expertise in action is one of the highlights of our year," said JTA CEO Nat Ford.

"This annual competition underscores the commitment of JTA to excellence in transportation services. Our operators and mechanics play a vital role in keeping Jacksonville moving, and events like this showcase their exceptional abilities while fostering camaraderie and pride in their craft," said JTA Board Chair Debbie Buckland.

Gallery of photos from today’s event:
ROADEO 2025

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About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
The 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 builds 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, Nassau, and St. Johns counties. To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com.

Media contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Lynn Opperman
AVP – Marketing, Communication, and Customer Experience
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
lopperman@jtafla.com
904-676-7225

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