Buffalo Area Transit Shines at Rodeo Competition with Top 10 Finishers and Award Nominee

Buffalo Area Transit excelled in set up of the annual WYTANS Bus Rodeo. Four of our BATS drivers participated in the competition, all of whom placed in the top 10. They enjoyed themselves and received excellent training on wheelchair securement from Lisa Nippolt from Q Straint. She also played a key role in Judging the Wheelchair portion of the rodeo.

2026 WYTRANS Bus Rodeo Wheelchair Securement. Special Thank You to WRTA for use of their bus for the event!

• Buffalo Area Transit System considers it an honor to have the opportunity to serve individuals throughout the state of Wyoming. The Bus Rodeo and WYTRANS Conference are something Wyoming Transit drivers look forward to every year. Our drivers and staff take great pride in upholding the tradition of service and representing our cities and Senior Centers.

  
  

The training and lessons our drivers receive from this event are exceptional and contribute to developing safer and more dependable drivers. Additionally, the opportunity for drivers to meet and exchange experiences from their diverse communities fosters fellowship and bonding, enhancing relationships among transit providers across the state.

Volunteers and participants come together, Trey Schrofel, the Executive Director of the Buffalo Senior Center, plays a key role in judging the Left Hand Reverse obstacle at the event.

The dedication and effort invested in this one-day event leave a lasting impression on the drivers who attend to showcase and hone their skills in the rodeo. The winner of the rodeo earns the opportunity to compete in the National Bus Rodeo. Developing skills and learning are crucial for ensuring safe and reliable transportation for our senior centers.

Steve Banes and Jaime Hunolt at the diminishing clearance obstacle.

The Buffalo Area Transit System boasts some outstanding drivers, including Brad Todd, who was proud to be nominated for the WYTANS Bus Driver of the Year. Having a driver of his caliber on our Buffalo team is remarkable and highlights the exceptional quality of our Transit Team. This includes drivers like Will O'Neill, Toby Rhoades, Dylan Sparks, Don Larsen, Steve Banes, and our top-notch Dispatcher, Jan Spratt.

The 2026 Bus Rodeo was a success, and we are excited to help build an even better event next year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and patience, as we had to close for one day to participate in this event. Your support and assistance truly contribute to enhancing Buffalo's transportation system and benefiting our daily riders. Once again, a huge thank you!