For Immediate Release
May 17, 2022

Fairfax Connector Operators and Maintenance Professionals excelled at the Virginia State Bus Roadeo last month. The Roadeo tests the skills and expertise of Virginia transit agencies’ bus operators and maintenance crews in a timed competition.

• Bus Operator Competition: Bus operators drive through an obstacle course that includes turns and navigating tight spaces in either a 35-foot or a 40-foot bus. Operators are judged on safety, the skill with which they maneuver around obstacles, successful completion of a pre-trip inspection, and the appearance of their uniforms.
• Maintenance Team Competition: Mechanics compete to identify and diagnose a range of mechanical issues across multiple vehicle systems including engine, transmission, electrical, HVAC system and brakes. 

First Place Win – Congratulations to the Fairfax Connector/Transdev Maintenance Team

The Fairfax Connector/ Transdev Maintenance Team placed first in the maintenance team category and will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia in the International Bus Roadeo next year. The winning team (pictured below) includes Oscar Matamoros, A-Tech, Herndon Division; Martin Lopez, A-Tech, West Ox Division; and Mario Llamas, A-Tech, Huntington Division.

Oscar Matamoros, 22 years of service; Martin Lopez, 19 years of service and Mario Llamas, 19 years of service
– a combined 60 years of service to Fairfax Connector.

These three mechanics are dedicated, hard-working and dependable role models in the organization and we are very proud of their achievement.  

“Our maintenance team was motivated and well prepared and reached their ultimate goal in the competition," said Barry Goldman, Director of Maintenance.

Second Place Win – Congratulations to Operator Ramarolahy Rinasoa (Rino)

Mr. Rino has been an operator with Fairfax Connector for 13 years.

Operator Ramarolahy Rinasoa (Rino) Transdev & Fairfax Connector participant placed 2nd in the 2022 Virginia State Bus Rodeo in the 40-ft bus competition.

“Mr. Rino is a true transit ambassador who is always positive and ready to take on the day.  He is the consummate professional,” said Transdev General Manager Terry Thompson.

He is an outstanding operator who began his career at the West Ox Division in 2009 and was selected to be a Behind the Wheel training instructor in 2012.

“Congratulations to the maintenance team and bus operators who competed against the best of the best at this year’s bus roadeo” said Dwayne Pelfrey Chief of Transit. “Your professionalism and dedication to safety and to our customers was on full display and we celebrate your achievement.”

Participating transit agencies included: Alexandria Transit Company (DASH), Arlington Regional Transit (ART), Blacksburg Transit, Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), Fairfax Connector, Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC), Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), Potomac and Rappahannock Transit Commission (PRTC), OmniRide, Petersburg Area Transit and Radford Transit.

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