Transit Times - AC Transit

July Rodeo exhibits wide varietyOf behind-the-wheel skills, know-howAC Transit employees "saddled up" forthe 1988 Bus Roadeo, with U.S. SavingsBonds and trophies as incentives for topperformers.Competitors got behind-the-wheel of 10-ton vehicles Saturday, July 16, at the District'sTraining and Education Center, Hayward,to test their skills at maneuvering40-foot buses among a variety of obstacles.Challenges drivers faced included serpentinecourses and reverse-direction maneuvering,such as right and left "Y -backs."Also, contestants were judged on personalappearance and on a written test coveringsafety, driving regulations and general attitude.Investigative skills also were testedas operators inspect a bus for "hidden"problems.The event is open to all union employees,divided into two categories of competition.The first category consists of all eligibleAmerican Public Transit Association(APT A) contestants, who were trying fortop-spot prizes of a $500 Savings Bond, aFirst Place trophy, and the honor of representingAC Transit in the regional (RT A)Roadeo and the National Roadeo in Montrealthis fall.Eligibility for the APT A category isbased on attendance, plus accident andwork records.Second place for the APT A-eligible driversearned a trophy, a $400 Savings Bond,and being among the three to representAC Transit at the RT A Roadeo - to behosted by Contra Costa County TransitAuthority, Concord, in August. Third placeearned a trophy, a $300 Savings Bond,and eligibility to compete in the RT Aevent.Those employees who had not qualifiedfor the APT A-category contest vied separatelyfor a first prize of a $100 SavingsBond, a second prize of a $75 SavingsBond, and third prize of a $50 SavingsBond. Trophies also were presented to allthree winners.6EARNED HONORS - Though a relative newcomerto the District's driving ranks - shebecame a full-time operator in May, 1986, afterworking as a part-timer since August, 1985 -Louella Delaney (with trophy) bested all rivals atthis year's Roadeo. In doing so, she establishedan important "first" - the first woman driver towin the in-house event. Here, she's receiving congratulationsfrom Linda Shepard, Alice Creason,Roy Nakadegawa, and Michael Fajans. She willrepresent AC Transit in the National AmericanPublic Transit (APT A) Bus Roadeo in Montrealin October.For park' trips, try the busTo enjoy hassle-free funSummer fun opportunities without trafficor parking hassles are being offered thisyear through a joint effort of the East BayRegional Park District and AC Transit toprovide trips to 46 different sites. The firstsuch excursions took place June 20.The program is geared for group outings,especially senior citizens and the disabled,but also is open to individuals who simplywant to get to a Park District site.Bus routes to each park, and boardinglocations, are available from Kimberly Lenzof the Park District, who also providesassistance in planning trips. Phone numberis 531-9300, extension 2205.Five more earn Employee Recognition honorsDRIVING AWARDS - Hayward's Danny Tucker,who shared "Driver of the Quarter" honors withhis brother Otis (see Box) is being congratulatedhere by Carol Russell, acting assistant superintendent.The Tucker brothers' selection was theDistrict's first co-awardJOB HONORS - Acting Assistant SuperintendentDonna Pate, chosen "Management Employee ofthe Quarter, " starred at June 13 ceremonies in theAdministrative Offices. Before taking her presentpost at Richmond Division, she was EmployeeRelations Representative.PATTEN PRAISED­Hayward DispatcherLeon Patten, left, receivedcongratulationsfrom Acting AssistantSuperintendent BobEstrella after beingselected "Clerical EmployeeoftheQuarter. "He was honored atthe division June 9.Otis Tucker - named in May to sharehonors as "Bus Driver of the Quarter" withhis brother Danny (see left column) - diedJune 12 at his home in Union City.The photo above was taken at the divisionalceremonies where he received hisEmployee Recognition plaque.He had completed 30 years of serviceduring which he also earned the 25-YearSafe Driving Award.In addition to his brother, he is survivedby his widow, Marie, and four children:Frances, Eric, Shirley, and Marco.SalutesfromtheSystemMAINTENANCE KUDOS - Emeryville's BennieWilliams became "Maintenance Employee of theQuarter" after earlier service as a driver, duringwhich he earned a 25-Year Safe Driving Award.This latest honor was celebrated June 14.7