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SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR: Saturday, May 1, 2027

50th Annual New York State School Bus Safety Competition

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Rain or Shine

Hosted by the New York School Bus Contractors Association. Presenting sponsor BusPatrol.

Congratulations to This Year’s Winners

Type C (Conventional)

  • 1st Place: Carolina Mariaca, Chappaqua Transportation
  • 2nd Place: James Breen, Educational Bus Transportation
  • 3rd Place: Thomas Gisonna, Suffolk Transportation Service
  • 4th Place: John Herrera, Chappaqua Transportation
  • 5th Place: Mary Myslim, Chappaqua Transportation

Type A (Van)

  • 1st Place: Timothy Pulaski, Suffolk Transportation Service
  • 2nd Place: Anai Guzman, WE Transport
  • 3rd Place: Anibal Nieves, WE Transport
  • 4th Place: Aaron Grijalva, WE Transport
  • 5th Place: Andrine Howlett-McLoyd, Suffolk Transportation Service

Rookie Award

  • Timothy Pulaski, Suffolk Transportation Service

2026 School Bus Diver International Safety Competition

The top three winners in each class (Type C and Type A) are eligible to compete in the National School Transportation Association’s School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC), taking place June 27–28, 2026, in Austin, Texas. NYSBCA will cover the $175 registration fee for each participating driver. All other expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are the responsibility of the driver or their company. Additional details and registration information are available on the NSTA website. Best of luck to all our drivers representing New York on the national stage.

Questions contact NSTA at (703) 684-3200 or info@yellowbuses.org.

We extend our sincere thanks to all volunteers and judges whose time and dedication made this event possible. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

Special thanks to our sponsors:



Click Play to view our highlight video.

Photos & Video by Alejandra Villa Loarca

Chokolat Studios

Thank you to Darrell Sullivan of WE Transport for capturing such great images and memories of our 2026 Roadeo.

2026 Roadeo Video | By Darrell Sullivan


We also recognize the outstanding work of our Safety Competition Committee: Frank Klein (Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.), Seth Corwin (Chappaqua Transportation, Inc.), and James Rogan (The Trans Group, LLC).

And thank you to our on-site NYSBCA team: John BeGasse, Bryony Chamberlain, Roxann Corr, Sean Corr, Tim Flood, Dan Higbie, Kyle Manfre, Paul Mori, Andrew Riedel, and Nick Vallone.

Thank you again to everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing you next year. Save the Date: Saturday, May 1, 2027


Rockland Lake State Park, 299 Rockland Lake Rd., Valley Cottage, NY 10989 PARKING LOT #4

For spectators, the competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run until approximately 3:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will begin once scoring has been finalized, which we anticipate will be around 2:30–3:00 p.m. Parking is free before 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m., the park charges $10 per vehicle.

**REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR DRIVERS & VOLUNTEERS** | **Sign-up deadline: Friday, April 17.**

Click here to check out our Roadeo highlight video from last year.

Join us on Saturday, May 2, for the School Bus Safety Competition! Whether you'd like to participate as a driver, judge, volunteer, or simply cheer as a spectator, your support helps promote the importance of school bus safety and honors the dedication of our school bus drivers who safely transport students every day.


Once clicked, the file will download automatically to your computer. The file will play in slideshow mode. Some slides are animated to show a bus moving through the course.

The Safety Competition, also known as the "Roadeo," is open to all contractors and school district drivers with employer approval and verification. Participation is limited to the first 100 entries or until the deadline of 4/17, whichever comes first—so be sure to register early, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress for the weather and be prepared for any weather. The roadeo will continue regardless of weather conditions.

Contestants will take a written test and get behind the wheel of a bus to put their driving skills to the test. We will have two categories – Type A (conventional van school bus - for upstaters, aka mini school bus) and Type C (conventional school buses). Drivers can demonstrate their professionalism, skill, and dedication to pupil transportation throughout the competition. The event concludes with an Awards Ceremony announcing the competition winners.

Drivers must complete the Driver Application, and employers must complete the Employer Verification form to be eligible to participate in the competition.

Volunteer Opportunities – Join Us!

Volunteers receive a complimentary t-shirt and a food wristband. Your support is essential to the success of this Roadeo!


We need volunteers for judging, scoring tests, registration, breakdown, and providing breaks for other volunteers. No prior experience is required. Click here to sign up!

Have your drivers compete against the best in New York State!

Help spread the word—download the Roadeo flyer and post it in break rooms and around the bus yard.

Click Here | 2026 Roadeo Flyer

Click Here | Sponsorship Opportunities 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026
For applications, food orders, and payments. No exceptions—timely submissions are essential for planning.

Driver Registration Fee The "Employer Verification" application includes the driver registration fee of $100 on the online form. You can choose to pay for one or multiple drivers and also purchase Food Orders for Spectators. Remember, drivers and volunteers receive a wristband for food. Food orders can also be purchased separately.

  • $100.00 per driver | Includes competition fee, breakfast, lunch, and a T-shirt.

FOOD ORDERS FOR SPECTATORS (Family/Friends):

  • $30.00 per person | Includes breakfast (bagels/coffee) and lunch (BBQ). No onsite orders and no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

  • Credit Card: MC, VISA, Discover, AMEX accepted.
  • Check Payments: Payable to NYSBCA, mail to NYSBCA, PO Box 1352, Guilderland, NY 12084.

W-9 Form: Click here to download a copy of NYSBCA's W-9 form.

NYSBCA Account Help
If you are an NYSBCA Member and need help with managing your online account, visit https://www.nysbca.com/accountinstructions/.


Cancellation Policy

No refunds for cancellations or no-shows for driver registrations or food orders. Thank you for your donation to the Roadeo.


Questions: Email NYSBCA

COMPETITION DETAILS

Drivers will compete using the following vehicle types:

  • Type A – Van School Bus (aka Mini School Bus)
  • Type C – Conventional School Bus

NYSBCA Awards will be presented to the top five winners in each category. 


Onsite Schedule

7:00 AM | Registration/Check-In & Breakfast

7:15 AM | Judges Check-In, Pick Up Packets, and Report to Assigned Events

7:30 AM | Announcement for Judges to Report to Their Events for Instructions

8:00 AM | SHARP - Driver Orientation & Course Walk Through

  • Written Test Times will vary. You will be instructed when to take your written test.

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Field Competition

  • Type C Drivers compete first, followed by Type A (Van Drivers)

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Lunch (BBQ)

2:30-3:00 PM (approximately) |  Awards Ceremony begins once scoring is finalized

4:00 PM | Approximate conclusion


2026 School Bus Diver International Safety Competition

The top three winners in each class (Type C and Type A) are eligible to compete in the National School Transportation Association’s School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC), taking place June 27–28, 2026, in Austin, Texas. NYSBCA will cover the $175 registration fee for each participating driver. All other expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are the responsibility of the driver or their company. Additional details and registration information are available on the NSTA websiteBest of luck to all our drivers representing New York on the national stage. Questions contact NSTA at (703) 684-3200 or info@yellowbuses.org.

    HELPFUL INFORMATION

    Where: Rockland Lake State Park, 299 Rockland Lake Rd., Valley Cottage, NY 10989 | PARKING LOT #4

    Directions: nysbca.com/roadeo-directions

    Parking: READ THIS ONE! If you do not arrive at Rockland State Park by 8:00 AM, you will be charged $10 per vehicle. No exceptions. Even if you are lost or running late, the park doesn’t care.

    No Pets Allowed: Dogs are not permitted in the park.

    Food: Breakfast, lunch, and beverages will be available. Spectators (family, friends) can pre-order food wristband(s) in advance - nysbca.com/roadeo-foodorders. No onsite orders and no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.

    Bring lawn chairs and extra cash for the 50/50 raffle.

    Dress for the weather. Be prepared for any weather. The roadeo will continue rain or shine.

    Hotel Options: Below are options for hotel accommodations.

    Hotel Nyack | Click here for website link

      • Hotel Address: 400 High Ave, Nyack, NY 10960
      • Phone: 845-675-8700
      • 7-minute drive to Rockland Lake State Park - Parking Field #4, Valley Cottage, NY 10989

    Westchester Marriott  | Click here for website link

      • Hotel Address: 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591
      • Phone: 914-631-2200
      • 15 to 18-minute drive to Rockland Lake State Park - Parking Field #4, Valley Cottage, NY 10989

    Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025 NYSBCA Safety Competition!

    We’re proud to announce our 2025 Safety Competition winners:

    Type A (Van)

      • 1st Place: Marlon Forrester, WE Transport
      • 2nd Place: James Baumer, Beacon Mobility
      • 3rd Place: Charmain Kanhai Noronha, Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.
      • 4th Place: Lynn Kavanagh, Chestnut Ridge Transportation
      • 5th Place: Sanjay Brooks, Chappaqua Transportation

    Type C (Conventional)

      • 1st Place: Manuel Claudio, Educational Bus Transportation
      • 2nd Place: James Breen, Educational Bus Transportation
      • 3rd Place: Mary Myslim, Chappaqua Transportation
      • 4th Place: Alfred Sanchez, First Student, Inc.
      • 5th Place: Johnatan Rojas, Chappaqua Transportation

    Type D (Transit)

      • 1st Place: Rafael Vicencio Ortega, Chestnut Ridge Transportation
      • 2nd Place: Wilfredo Ramos, Monroe-Woodbury CSD
      • 3rd Place: Dawn Elsaesser, Monroe-Woodbury CSD

    Rookie Award

      • Manuel Claudio, Educational Bus Transportation


    Photos & Video by Alejandra Villa Loarca
    Chokolat Studios

    Yellow School Bus Advocate

    Formed in 1950, the New York School Bus Contractor Association has a proud and accomplished tradition of serving as the voice of school bus contractors, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers on issues of common interest at the state capital and beyond.

    Get In Touch

    NYSBCA

    P.O. Box 1352, Guilderland, NY 12084

    (518) 217-2505

    tammy.mortier@nysbca.com



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