ABQ RIDE Wrangles Morale and Friendly Competition

ALBUQUERQUE – A Bus Roadeo is similar to a horse rodeo but with buses, cones, and tennis balls rather than horses and barrels. Today, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Mayor David Rusk Facility, ABQ RIDE hosted a busload of fun activities for its staff and their families to show transit worker appreciation.

ABQ RIDE invites the public to thank a bus driver and show appreciation for transit employees, who serve the public 359 days a year to ensure they get where they need to go: jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, classes, concerts, and more.

In 2024, ABQ RIDE brought the Bus Roadeo back for the first time in 20 years, and the renewed tradition continues. This year’s event built upon the rodeo theme with cowboy regalia and “wanted” posters, and featured a “thank a co-worker jar,” free food, a live DJ, bouncy house, “dunk-your-director” dunk tank, face painting, and more.

“It’s extremely important for the community to recognize transit workers,” said event coordinator Pauline Alvarado. “We want to keep our drivers and staff happy to continue rolling forward good, quality public service with excellent customer service – that’s how you build pride in ABQ RIDE. The Bus Roadeo fuels that pride, and we hope to see drivers go on to bigger state and national roadeo competitions.”

“Transit workers are the backbone of public transportation, keeping communities connected by providing access to essential and recreational destinations,” said Motorcoach Operator David Manzano. “Appreciation extends beyond drivers to include the dedicated maintenance, dispatch, planning, and cleaning staff who keep the entire system running.”

Common in the transit industry, bus roadeos create friendly competition and promote networking, skill development, and safety. ABQ RIDE’s mechanics, Sun Van chauffeurs, motorcoach operators, and supervisors compete in buses and vans. The Bus Roadeo included a challenging obstacle course requiring maneuvers such as serpentines, passenger stops, reverse offset street, diminishing clearance, and more – skills useful for staff members. Competitors were timed and scored by judges to win bragging rights, and the top 10 winners across four categories received laser-cut trophies by FLORArt Studio.

2025 Winners

• Motorcoach Operators: 
• 1 – Valente Garcia
• 2 – Art Herrera
• 3 – Gwen Vandamme
• Sun Van Chauffeurs:
• 1  – Jayme Sanchez
• 2 – Gary Sena
• Mechanics:
• 1 – Joseph Lente
• 2 – Martin Gamboa
• 3 – Andrew Benray
• Executive:
• 1 – Mike Davis

“Today on the Bus Roadeo course, our drivers and mechanics demonstrated the same tenacious team spirit, determination, grit, resilience, and focus they do in their roles here at ABQ RIDE, all while having a hootin’ hollerin’ good time,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “By hosting this annual appreciation day, we celebrate the great people behind the transit system who keep our City moving and connected. Days like this are not only important for morale, but support team retention to keep our transit system cruising!”

ABQ RIDE service is not impacted by this event, and 243-RIDE is available to call during regular hours of operation from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for questions and Sun Van scheduling.

A special thanks to event sponsors Complete Coach Works, Dion’s, Perico’s, Garcia’s Restaurant, Chello Grille, Hinkle Fun Center, Flix Brewhouse, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Cumulus Radio, New Flyer, MCI, FLORArt Studio, Jazz It Up Beauty, and Red the Barber.

Learn more about the regional and national transit associations. Find information about available jobs and hiring incentives at ABQRIDE.com.

ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.