Two drivers belonging to The Trans Group family of bus companies recently took top honors at the 45th Annual New York State School Bus Safety Competition held in Rockland County, New York. Of the more than 130 competing drivers, Geoffrey Roan of Educational Bus Transportation won first place in the small bus/van category and John Forte of Chestnut Ridge Transportation finished fifth in the transit category. As a first place winner, Roan is eligible to compete in the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) International School Bus Safety Competition in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 16 and 17.
“What truly distinguishes The Trans Group is our pursuit of quality ser- vice and the highest possible safety standards,” observed Trans Group President John Corr, Jr. “Our drivers and bus attendants are among the best in the industry and we encourage them whenever possible to participate in regional safety competitions, such as the recent statewide competition. On behalf of everyone at The Trans Group, I congratulate Geoffrey and John on their recent wins, their commitment to school bus safety, and their enthusiasm for their profession. It’s an honor to be associated with these fine gentlemen.”
According to Michael Martucci, president of the New York School Bus Contractors Association, which sponsored the safety competition, the day began with a comprehensive written exam on school bus safety followed by a driver’s test that gauged skills with a variety of hands- on activities, including vehicle inspections, loading and unloading students, operating a school bus through various driving courses, and managing railroad crossings.
Educational Bus Transportation serves Long Island’s Bethpage, Wantagh, Seaford, Copiague, Massapequa, Amityville and Half Hollow Hills School Districts. Chestnut Ridge Transportation provides public school transportation for the East Ramapo, Pearl River and South Orangetown School Districts in Rockland County, New York. With more than 1,700 employees, The Trans Group operates over 1,200 school and public transit buses in lower New York State and Long Island. The company is actively involved in the school bus industry on a state and national level.