The competition was held Sunday April 30 in Anaheim, California and the winners were announced recently at a banquet honoring all the competitors.

We are extremely proud of Phillip and honored to have him represent the CMRTA in daily service operations and in the Statewide and International Bus Roadeo competitions! This is a FIRST for a South Carolina transit vehicle operator.

Also, we can’t forget his Coach, Eddie Mitchell. Eddie and Phillip can be found on most Sundays practicing the roadeo tests in the CMRTA parking lot. The two are long-time friends and have been a team since Phillip began entering the SC Roadeo competitions.
 

Transportation Terrorism

By Reporter: Meryl Conant
News 2 Charleston

Buses in our public transportation system often drive by the military facilities scattered in the Lowcountry and the ports at our harbors. That is one reason why a transportation terrorism expert has spent the last couple days training local officials.

“Public transportation is a very favorite target of terrorists,” explained Dr. Phyllis McDonald, who travels around the country teaching transpiration officials and police officers how to prevent an attack and respond in case one strikes. “You don’t prepare scenario by scenario but you do do a general preparation so you can respond to almost any kind of emergency or hazard. Whether a terror attack, a bomb going off on a bus or a hurricane, everyone is working together.”

For the last two days, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA, and its local law enforcement partners have trained together.

“So all agencies come together, practice together and drill together and prepare together for any situation that may occur in a community,” Dr. McDonald explained.

CARTA Executive Director Howard Chapman says the sessions have given them invaluable insight.

“Teaching us how to think like a terrorist if you will so we can be proactive in plans for what might happen in the future,” Chapman said.

Part of this training also is encouraging CARTA to teach bus drivers and riders the kind of suspicious activity they need to be on the look out for every day. After all, experts say the attacks which get interrupted usually are spotted by every-day people.

The training program is funded by the Department of Transportation.

 

The Edgefield County Senior Citizens Council hosted a demonstration and test drive of the RollGard Suspension Stabilizer System on Wednesday, April 19, 2006. Attending this demonstration and test drive were representatives from Columbia, Newberry, Rock Hill, Gaffney and Greenwood. Following the demonstration, all of the drivers reported better stability with less body roll. They also felt improved cornering and reduce braking distance. It was noted that the top heavy vehicles were not pushed around by winds or other large (18 wheelers) vehicles.

 

A very excited group of fourth grade students at Ehrhardt Elementary School are looking forward to the introduction of the new Bamberg County Handy Ride transportation system to be held on Monday, May 1, 2006. Accompanied by their teachers, Mrs. Alicia James and Mrs. Laurine Varnadoe, the students will be honored as the first place winners of a contest to help determine a name and image for the newest coordinated transit system in South Carolina. Second and third place winners Wade Delle Moody and Marion Kelly, as well as honorable mentions Errand Henry and Ed Moody will also be honored at the event.

The celebration is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Bamberg County Courthouse and will be attended by many dignitaries, elected officials and members of the general public including special guest US Congressman James E. Clyburn, Jr. Confirmed speakers will include: Nela Gibbons, Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging, Earl Brown, Deputy District Director representing U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson; John Hardee, Transportation Commissioner; Dr. Leola Adams, Interim Director, COET, South Carolina State University; Danny Covington, Chairman, Lower Savannah Council of Governments; and Mr. Thomas Heyward, Chairman, Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority. The event will also include refreshments, prize drawings, displays provided by a number of local agencies, and a special mystery guest "star" you won't want to miss.