Ryals will compete for national honors in California on May 19th
(Warsaw, VA) – Veteran Bay Transit bus operator Ronnie Ryals has won the coveted first place honor at the 2019 Community Transportation Association of Virginia’s (CTAV) annual Paratransit ROADEO which was held in Williamsburg on April 13th. The annual competition among operators from across the state tests skills on every level of the drivers’ abilities, with a primary focus on safe operations and passenger sensitivity.
On May 19th, Mr. Ryals will represent Bay Transit and the state of Virginia at the 30th Annual National Community Transportation Roadeo in Palm Springs, California. The National Community Transportation Roadeo is the only national venue to honor and celebrate the value of rural and community transit operators, the backbone of the Community Transportation industry.
Mr. Ryals, who drives the larger, “body-on- chassis” style buses, was understandably thrilled to win the competition. “I’m humbled to have won this year. There are so many fine drivers at these competitions, it is a real honor,” Ryals said. “I’m really excited and honored to represent Bay Transit and the Commonwealth of Virginia at the national competition next month,” he added. “Thanks for all of the support from my Bay Transit family, my Bay Aging family and my wife.”
Ken Pollock, the Director of Bay Transit, was equally excited with Ryals’ accomplishment. “We are all thrilled for Ronnie. He takes safety and customer service very seriously and is the embodiment of Bay Transit’s commitment to excellence,” Pollock said.
Bay Transit is a division of Bay Aging. Kathy Vesley-Massey, Bay Aging’s President/CEO stated,” Bay Transit operators have been competing at the CTAV Paratransit ROADEOs for years so are well aware of the level of commitment it takes to win overall first place honors. Ronnie has been with us since 2002. He is a fantastic driver and truly caring person who will do us proud at the national competition.”
Since 1996, Bay Transit has been providing public transportation services throughout the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and New Kent and Charles City Counties. Bay Transit provided 138,504 safe, reliable and affordable rides last year. While four in ten Bay Transit riders are commuting to work, riders also depend on Bay Transit to access health care services, education, shopping and dining, recreation and more. At only $2.00 per ride, Bay Transit provides a safe, economical way for people to address their transportation needs.
About Bay Aging:
For over 40 years, Bay Aging has been caring for older adults and people with disabilities in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula with meals, home and personal care, public transportation, home repairs and living options. Our goal is to help people live independently in their own homes and communities surrounded by their own things and, wherever possible, their families and friends. Our top priority is to keep independence, home and community at the hub of life in the rural counties we serve.
Last year Bay Aging’s services affected over 26,000 lives! Every year, we:
People want to age safely in their homes and communities. To help them realize this goal, Bay Aging’s Housing Division owns and operates ten income-restricted senior apartment complexes throughout the region providing safe and affordable homes for 365 full-time residents. Additionally, residents benefit from receiving the social supports they need to ensure healthy, independent living.
Bay Aging’s health division provides in-home care and companionship services and transitional care services for recently discharged at-risk, chronically ill patients through our VAAACares® program. Adult day care provides a safe haven for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other disabilities so that they can thrive and live with their families longer. The award-winning Veterans Directed Care program provides essential support services for nursing home eligible veterans of all ages who want to continue living at home.
