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| Volume 17, Issue 3 | Fall 2005 |
The 2005 DTA Bus Roadeo WinnersThe 2005 Bus Roadeo and training were huge successes. Attendance was up from last year with 47 contestants paying the roadeo entry fee. Thanks to all the drivers for making this year's roadeo fun and competitive. A big thank you to Souris Basin Transportation and Minot City Bus employees who helped, and for allowing DTA to use the Minot Public Works facility and grounds. Finally, thanks to transit managers, state DOT employees and others who helped judge the Dakota event. The winners will advance to the national competition held in conjunction with the CTAA Conference June 4, 2006, at Orlando, FL. Additional drivers from across the region joined many of the roadeo contestants on Sunday for morning training in bus driving, first aid, use of wheel chair lift devices and wheel chair tie-downs. A total of 58 drivers attended the training. All drivers had a time of learning, sharing and indulging in a very tasteful steak banquet after the roadeo. The banquet was a celebration of a great day, a great year and great service to the many transit riders across the Dakotas.
 Innovative Agency of the YearWest River Transit Authority, Inc., doing business as Prairie Hills Transit (PHT), has been providing service in western South Dakota since 1990. The agency began as Spearfish Senior Transportation, using a 1979 green van and operating four hours per day in Spearfish. The service has grown to cover 9,818 square miles in six counties with a fleet of 22 vehicles.
Prairie Hills Transit has seen exciting growth and change in the last year. Administrative assistant Susan Ames has been able to streamline the T19 submissions by researching and implementing new software options. Susan implemented a computer template form that complies with all Title 19 requirements. All records are now stored electronically in individual folders, along with a hard copy of the submitted claims. This has reduced errors, turn-around time, and resubmits. Operations coordinator Mike Kayras filled a new position created by PHT to manage fleet warranty and service work, train drivers in the "Safe Operator Plan," and serve as the primary investigator in accidents. Mike also worked closely with director Barb Cline, driver supervisor Janet Sechser from PHT; trainer Jim Holman of the Community Transportation Association of America; and with director Ron Baumgart and staff of River Cities Transit to offer driver roadeo training and to conduct a one-day PASS training class. In 2003, the Southern Hills Transportation Board (Hot Springs, Custer, Edgemont) broke up and as a result, Custer requested public transportation service from within the Prairie Hills Transit project. At that time, Hot Springs and Edgemont chose to maintain an independent program for the elderly. Early in 2004, the Hot Springs Board asked to transition into the Prairie Hills Transit project and Edgemont chose to give up its vehicle and State/Federal funding to operate independently. The changes for Custer and Hot Springs have provided significant growth and a new opportunity to coordinate vehicles and drivers among communities. In Hot Springs, Fall River Health Services (FRHS), consisting of a private hospital, nursing home, and assisted living, contracts with PHT for all of its transportation services. Through a cooperative agreement with PHT, FRHS paid the local cash match for a new bus that will be used to assist in service as the demand for rides grows. In March, after 50 interviews in conjunction with a partnership project of the Beverly Foundation and CTAA, PHT was selected as a key informant for its book, 1,000 Years of Experience. According to Helen Kerschner of Beverly, PHT was recommended by many of their interviewees, including researchers, professionals, and policy makers. At PHT, the staff believes that it is each person's responsibility to use innovative ideas to create exemplary service for its passengers and employees. 
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