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About Us     FACT in the News     2008
 

FACT Driver Participates in Annual Roadeo
Author: Michelle Grant-Shumar
Source: FACT News Release
Date: August 13, 2008

Chuck RupenthalALTOONA, PA, August 13, 2008 -- Chuck Rupenthal, full time transit operator for Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation participated in the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association's (PPTA) 2008 Bus and Paratransit Roadeo on August 2-3, 2008.  The event offered thirty-seven operators an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the transit industry, as well as, compete against other operators in a skills competition.

Competitors were judged in three main areas.  The first area was pre-trip inspection.  Pre-trip inspection tested the operator's ability to detect seven pre-planned defects on an inspection vehicle within a certain time period.  The second area tested the operator's skills on loading and securing a wheelchair rider.  Operators were judged on performance and sensitivity.  Last, but not least, the operators were tested on their driving as they performed numerous obstacles along a specially designed course.

Gina Mahoney, Assistant Director for FACT, who had the opportunity to judge the event said, "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a judge for the competition knowing that all of the best drivers in the state were there competing.  Also, I am very proud of how well our driver performed through the obstacle course.  It was extremely difficult and even though he did not win the competition, I am honored to have him as a member of our organization.  I hope that he will decide to compete again next year as a representative of FACT and I am sure he will win the competition in the future.  All of the FACT drivers do their best everyday to ensure the residents of Fayette County are transported to their destinations by providing safe and courteous service and should be recognized for their dedication and hard work."

Chuck loves competing and interacting with people and represented FACT well in his second competition by finishing in sixteenth place.  Chuck looks forward to improving his finish next year at the 2009 Bus and Paratransit Roadeo in neighboring Westmoreland County.