School bus drivers from San Diego and Imperial counties will head to Chula Vista on March 7 for the 2026 School Bus Roadeo, a hands-on competition designed to sharpen the maneuvers and safety habits they rely on every day.
Chapter 3 of the California Association of School Transportation Officials (CASTO) Chapter 3 will host the event at the Chula Vista Elementary School District Transportation Department, running from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drivers will navigate a series of practical challenges that evaluate precision, awareness, and confidence behind the wheel.
“The Roadeo takes every challenging thing a driver might face on their route and puts it under a microscope,” said Antonio Perez, CASTO Chapter 3 president. “Drivers are not just competing. They are perfecting the fundamentals that keep our most precious community resources safe every day.”
Sean Redmond, Board of Directors Professional Associate Representative for CASTO Chapter 3 and Extra Board Driver/TOC Bus Scheduler with San Diego Unified School District, explained the primary goal of the Roadeo: “It’s designed to enhance driving skills through practical challenges and obstacle courses, foster a culture of safety, and provide a platform for drivers to showcase their expertise. It also encourages camaraderie among drivers and rewards those committed to safety, all while raising public awareness about the importance of safe school transportation.”
Participants will face obstacle stations modeled on real-world scenarios. The Stop Right Turn reinforces proper alignment along curbs, low-speed control, and mirror discipline. The Left Turn station emphasizes lane positioning, scanning for pedestrians, and monitoring traffic changes.
“These exercises replicate situations drivers encounter every day, building habits that protect students, property, and pedestrians,” Redmond said.
Other exercises focus on maneuvering in tight spaces. Offset Alley simulates lane changes in construction zones, while Backup Stall and Parallel Parking sharpen tail swing awareness, mirror use, and spatial judgment. One of the most critical stations, Elementary Student Loading Escort, tests scanning mirrors, monitoring traffic, and giving clear commands to students, improving stopping accuracy and overall safety.
Drivers also complete a written test to ensure mastery of safety procedures and regulations.
“The Roadeo is a comprehensive test of skill and knowledge,” Redmond said. “It helps drivers gain confidence and reinforces safety habits they apply on every route.”
Local Roadeos serve as a pathway to the statewide competition scheduled for late May 2026, overseen by the California Department of Education’s Office of School Transportation. For CASTO Chapter 3, the event reflects ongoing support for professional development and excellence in student transportation across the region.
Registration for the March 7 event is $35 for CASTO members and $50 for non-members.
Media and community members are encouraged to attend to see firsthand the skill and precision that keep students safe each school day.
