For immediate release

Wednesday May 29, 2002

Ottawa - OC Transpo bus operator David Windle is the winner of the 26th OC Transpo safe driving Roadeo held on Sunday, May 26.  The Roadeo is a contest designed to test the skills of bus operators by simulating a variety of problems encountered regularly on the street.

 This is the first victory for Mr. Windle, and his eleventh time competing at the annual driving competition.  A veteran with 24 years behind the wheel, he earned himself a trip to Las Vegas to represent OC Transpo in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) International Bus Roadeo this fall.  Mr. Windle, who lives in south Ottawa, plans to do his best to bring home the International championship.  As well as winning the trip, Mr. Windle received $500 and a trophy.

 First runner-up was Richard Piché of Crysler. His 20 years of experience earned him $300 and a trophy.  Second runner-up Jacques Bordeleau of Kanata, has been driving a bus for 19 years.  Mr. Bordeleau wins $200 and a trophy.

 OC Transpo bus operators who completed an accident-free year of full time professional driving in 2000 were eligible to drive in the Roadeo.  1,109 operators were eligible to compete. David Windle extended his congratulations to the 58 operators who chose to participate as well as all those who were eligible.  “As bus operators, we get 365 days of practice for the Roadeo trying to navigate obstacles on the street,” he said.  His tips for safe driving ‘take your time and be patient.’