MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- A trio of Gladwin County Transit System drivers placed third in the 34th Annual Small Bus Roadeo held in Mount Pleasant on Friday.

In all, nearly 50 bus drivers from 17 transit systems participated in the statewide event.

Drivers competed for points based on: a written test, their driving skills, an obstacle course that evaluates their knowledge of road and transit vehicles, a test to load and unload a wheelchair passenger, and a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

Gladwin County drivers Deanna Hughes, Bud Byrd and James Carroll received cash prizes and trophies.

"There are more than 3,600 buses out on Michigan streets daily and the drivers who transport the state's 102 million passengers deserve our appreciation," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.

First place in team competition went to Clinton Area Transit System.

Individual awards were also handed out.