Bus drivers take the reins

By ELISA A. GLUSHEFSKI Sunday, April 30, 2006
Published: April 30, 2006

Driving a 38-foot-long, one-ton school bus takes the patience of a saint - but even a saint would probably be rattled if having to parallel-park one.

County bus driver Josie Rainey took the reins of a bus and breezed through a bus stop simulation. But parallel parking was another story.

“Oh, this is just ridiculous,” she said, after several minutes of trying to squeeze into the spot. And after letting out sigh of frustration, lamented, “I like my bus better.”

After completing the obstacle course, which consisted of nine skill-based challenges, Rainey stepped off the bus and shrugged of any lingering frustration.

Rainey, a first-year competitor, was one of 56 county bus drivers who put their prowess to the test at the Sixth Annual Prince William County School Bus Road-e-o, held at the Central Transportation Center on Saturday.

The course included a simulated railroad crossing drill and a challenge where the driver had to back into a narrow space with little wiggle room, ensuring that the drivers exercised both their maneuvering skills and their knowledge of regulations and guidelines.

Ed Bishop, transportation director for county schools, said the road-e-o was double-billed as an employee appreciation day and as a competition that promotes driving safety.

“To do this job you have to be a special person,” Bishop said. “You have to have the patience to take care of the children and be able to react to a number of contingencies.”

The obstacle course was certainly the central component of the event, but outdoor activities, live music and barbecued food gave the employees and their families plenty more to enjoy.

David Via Jr. was only concerned with his performance compared to his wife Sally’s performance.

“I’m not really into the score part, I just want to beat my wife,” the 27-year-old said. “This is nothing serious.”

Via’s love for his wife momentarily squelched his competitive drive when he yelled: “Kick butt, girl,” as she began her turn at the course.

In last year’s road-e-o Sally effortlessly parked the bus, but like Rainey, she found it extremely difficult this year.

Each driver’s performance score was based on a written examination taken last Saturday, their performance on the course and a pre-operational check in which the driver had to identify problems - such as a burned out light - that were created on the bus for the sole purpose of the competition.

The winner will go on to compete in the state road-e-o in June.