First Female Bus Operator Crowned Champion Of 'Bus Roadeo' Competition

BALTIMORE, MD — Leslie Hawkins became the first female bus operator to be crowned champion of the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration’s (MDOT MTA) 2017 Bus and Maintenance Roadeo.

The competition, which has been held annually since 1980, showcases the skill of MDOT MTA bus operators and maintenance teams as they compete against each other and the clock. The bus operators are judged on their uniform standards, driving skills and ability to identify defects on their coaches.

“I honestly would have thought a woman had won this already, but I am proud to be the first,” Hawkins said.

Watch: First Female Bus Operator Crowned Champion Of 'Bus Roadeo' Competition

Hawkins beat more than 30 bus operators, including her husband, at this year's event. She will represent Maryland at the American Public Transit Association International Bus Roadeo in Tampa in May 2018.

“I am proud to be the first female winner of MDOT MTA’s roadeo and look forward to representing Maryland in the national competition,” Hawkins said. “Plus, I get to remind my husband every day for the next year, which is all in good fun.”

This year's competition was held Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Reisterstown Road Plaza Metro SubwayLink Station parking lot.

“She made history and hopefully, her drive and determination will encourage more female bus operators to come out and compete," MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn said.

Photo: MTA Maryland