SALT LAKE CITY (June 11, 2026) — The Utah Transit Authority hosted the top public transit agency bus operators and maintenance teams from across North America to compete in the 2026 American Public Transit Association International Bus and Maintenance Roadeo, May 16-17. This annual event provides an opportunity for operators and maintenance teams to participate in a hands-on competition that tests expertise, safety and precision.

As host of the 2026 competition, UTA collaborated with APTA to plan and execute the event, which required over a year of coordinated effort. UTA would like to thank APTA and the many volunteers that made this event such a success. UTA also extends a special thank you to event sponsors Gillig and Lamar Advertising, who made this event possible.

"Hosting the 2026 International Bus and Maintenance Roadeo was an honor for UTA and a tremendous opportunity to showcase both Salt Lake City and the dedicated professionals who keep public transit moving every day," said Jay Fox, executive director at the Utah Transit Authority. "From operators who safely navigate thousands of passengers to maintenance teams who keep fleets running reliably, these individuals are the backbone of public transportation. We were proud to welcome competitors from across North America to Salt Lake City and showcase the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety that define our industry."

The Bus Roadeo portion of the competition scores bus operators’ performance maneuvering through 11 different obstacles, while the Maintenance Roadeo requires mechanics to demonstrate their troubleshooting and repair skills in a variety of real-world simulations and tests.

To qualify for the International Roadeo, competitors must win their local Roadeo in the area where they work.

“It’s a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger,” said two-time local Bus Roadeo champion Zack Colton, who competed for UTA at the International Roadeo. “The elevated competition is a fun challenge and I am proud to once again represent UTA on the big stage.”

The 2026 APTA International Bus Roadeo Champions are:

• Bus Roadeo Champion: Matt Chomjak, Community Transit (Everett, Wash.)
• Maintenance Roadeo Team Champion: LA Metro (Los Angeles, Calif.)
• Overall Team Score Champion: LA Metro (Los Angeles, Calif.)

UTA congratulates the champions and all others who competed in this year's event. Winners will have a chance to defend their titles at the 2027 APTA International Bus and Maintenance Roadeo in Seattle, Washington.

View photos from the event, password: Roadeo2026
View video recap

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