During a recent government meeting, the Kitsap Transit team celebrated their success in a competitive maintenance rodeo, where they showcased their skills in identifying and fixing complex issues in transit vehicles. The competition involved various modules, including the air brake system, multiplex board, engine, and air door systems, each designed with specific challenges that tested the mechanics' abilities under timed conditions.
The maintenance team, which recently secured first place in the regional competition, expressed their dedication and hard work leading up to the event. Team members shared their experiences, highlighting the extensive preparation they undertook, including studying manuals and practicing late into the night before the competition. Their efforts have earned them a spot in the upcoming national competition, where they will represent Kitsap Transit.
Mayor Erickson and Councilor Mokler acknowledged the team's achievements and inquired about recurring maintenance issues with specific transit coaches. The team humorously noted that while they do not have persistent problems with their Gillig buses, the Proterra electric buses have been particularly troublesome.
In addition to their competitive success, Kitsap Transit received the grand champion award, recognizing their overall excellence in the competition. The team was encouraged to consider demonstrating their skills at the upcoming Washington Science Fair, although they noted the need for additional training modules to facilitate such an event.
The meeting concluded with discussions about the availability of a bus simulator for practice, which is set up to replicate the driving course, providing an additional training resource for the team. Overall, the meeting highlighted the commitment and expertise of the Kitsap Transit maintenance team, as well as their contributions to the community's transit services.