BART train techs earn another trophy

It’s official: BART’s train car maintainers are the best in nation – wait – make that the best in North America.

BART’s team of train car maintainers took the trophy in Montreal this weekend during the transit industry’s version of the NBA Finals: the International Rail Rodeo. BART's team, Ted Christian, Dan Parris and Gary Crandell, faced off against counterparts from 17 other transit agencies in a series of events. 

BART earned the top maintenance prize by earning the highest score after eight events. They placed first in the safety, mechanical measurements and written test categories and tied for first place in door maintenance.

This was the 22nd Rail Rodeo, sponsored and organized by the American Public Transportation Association. "It celebrates excellence," Chief Mechanical Officer Tamar Allen said. "We're testing and challenging ourselves by competing against the best in the industry." 

The weekend victory is a return to the winners circle for BART – this is BART’s seventh win in Maintenance at the Rail Rodeo (1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2011, 2014).

Watch the video above to learn more about what it takes to qualify for the Rail Rodeo. For more information on BART’s Maintenance Rodeo team check out this archived story.