Columbia, TN — South Central Area Transit Services (SCATS), a department of the South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD), held its inaugural SCATS Roadeo on September 12, 2026, in Columbia, Tennessee. The event brought nearly 100 SCATS drivers together for a day focused on safety, skill, and fellowship.
A Group of SCATS Drivers
The Roadeo featured six challenging driving courses designed to test drivers’ skills in areas such as tight turns, quick stops, maneuverability, and navigation. Three vans navigated the course at a time. Drivers were evaluated on their skill, time, and effectiveness, with judges observing from the course and riding alongside drivers.
Vans Prepped for Inspection
The event also included vehicle inspections conducted with the assistance of SCATS’ insurance partners, Verida and Tennessee Carriers, reinforcing the importance of safe and well-maintained vehicles in providing reliable transportation to passengers throughout the region.
At the conclusion of the competition, awards were presented to the top three individual drivers, based on their performance in the written and driving portions of the competition. An Overall award and recognition for the highest-scoring team were also presented.
2026 SCATS Roadeo Winners
1st Place: Chad Hudson
2nd Place: Cindy Davis
3rd Place: Kenneth Holt
Overall Winner: Kenneth Holt
Winning Team: Darrin Curtis, Cindy Davis, Steven Towne, Sevina Davis, Stephen Reynolds, Eddie Flynt, Lisa Walker, Jeffrey Depriest, and Lloyd Smith
Special Thanks
SCATS extends its sincere appreciation to the staff and community partners who helped make the inaugural Roadeo possible. Special thanks are extended to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Maury County Sheriff’s Department, and Columbia State Community College for providing support and personnel throughout the event.
While safety and driver skill were at the heart of the Roadeo, the event also provided an opportunity for SCATS employees to spend time together outside of their daily routes. Drivers often work independently while serving passengers throughout the region, making opportunities for fellowship and connection especially meaningful.
Jenny Green, Deputy Transportation Director, shares: “Our first-ever Roadeo training and competition is an exciting milestone and a proud achievement for our public transportation program, celebrating the skill, dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our drivers while promoting safety, teamwork, and excellence in serving our community.”
The inaugural Roadeo establishes a new tradition for SCATS, bringing together safety, professional development, recognition, and fellowship while celebrating the drivers who keep South Central Tennessee moving.
SCTDD Executive Director, Paul Rosson, with Tennessee Highway Patrol Officers
Need a Ride? SCATS Can Help.
Anyone can ride with SCATS! Whether you need transportation for an appointment, errands, work, or other everyday needs, SCATS is here to help connect you to where you need to go.
To learn more or schedule a ride, call 1-833-806-7228.
SCATS Pop-Up Sign
Media Contact:
Sydney Brewer, Marketing & Communications Director
sbrewer@sctdd.org
