Westbus: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Australian bus and coach operator}} |
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{{Use Australian English|date=May 2019}} |
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2019}} |
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{{Infobox Bus transit |
{{Infobox Bus transit |
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|name = Westbus |
|name = Westbus |
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|logo = Westbus Australia logo.gif |
|logo = Westbus Australia logo.gif |
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|logo_size = 250 |
|logo_size = 250 |
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|image = Westbus_( |
|image = Westbus_(mo_6052)_Volgren_'CR228L'_bodied_Volvo_B7RLE_in_Transport_NSW_livery_on_Olympic_Boulevard_at_Sydney_Olympic_Park_(1).jpg |
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|image_size = |
|image_size = |
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|image_caption = Westbus [[Volgren]] bodied [[ |
|image_caption = Westbus [[Volgren]] bodied [[Volvo B7RLE]] at [[Sydney Olympic Park]] in March 2013 |
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|company_slogan = |
|company_slogan = |
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|parent = [[ComfortDelGro Australia|ComfortDelGro Cabcharge]] |
|parent = [[ComfortDelGro Australia|ComfortDelGro Cabcharge]] |
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|operator = |
|operator = |
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|ceo = |
|ceo = |
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|website = [ |
|website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20121007234422/http://westbus.com.au/ westbus.com.au]}} |
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'''Westbus''' was an Australian bus and coach operator that operated bus services in [[Western Sydney]] from 1955 until October 2013. Founded by the |
'''Westbus''' was an Australian bus and coach operator that operated bus services in [[Western Sydney]] from 1955 until October 2013. Founded by the Bosnjak family, it later became a subsidiary of [[National Express]] and later ComfortDelGro Cabcharge (now known as [[ComfortDelGro Australia]]). |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Westbus_(mo_9382)_Volgren_'CR228L'_bodied_Scania_K94UB_on_Olympic_Boulevard_at_Sydney_Olympic_Park.jpg|thumb|right|Westbus [[Volgren]] bodied [[Scania 4-series (bus)#Scania K94|Scania K94UB]] at [[Sydney Olympic Park]] in March 2013]] |
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[[File:Westbus_(mo_9394)_Volgren_'CR228L'_bodied_Scania_K94UB_at_Liverpool_Interchange_(1).jpg|thumb|right|[[Volgren]] bodied [[Scania 4-series (bus)#Scania K94|Scania K94UB]] at [[Liverpool railway station, Sydney|Liverpool Interchange]] in July 2013]] |
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Westbus's history originates from the Bosnjak family, who entered the transport business in 1955 and traded as Bosnjak's Bus Service. At the time, it operated a fleet of five buses on a route connecting the Sydney suburbs of [[Canley Vale]] and [[Edensor Park]]. |
Westbus's history originates from the Bosnjak family, who entered the transport business in 1955 and traded as Bosnjak's Bus Service. At the time, it operated a fleet of five buses on a route connecting the Sydney suburbs of [[Canley Vale]] and [[Edensor Park]]. |
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All companies began to trade as Westbus in October 1984.<ref>'' Thirty years young'' ''Australian Bus'' issue 64 July 2014 page 51</ref> |
All companies began to trade as Westbus in October 1984.<ref>'' Thirty years young'' ''Australian Bus'' issue 64 July 2014 page 51</ref> |
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In 1985 the coach business of [[Busways |
In 1985 the coach business of [[Busways|Rowe's]] was purchased. A fleet of [[Volvo B10M]] coaches were purchased and based at [[Northmead, New South Wales|Northmead]]. Following the purchase of Calabro's in June 1989 both fleets moved to [[Alexandria, New South Wales|Alexandria]] and later [[Arncliffe, New South Wales|Arncliffe]]. The operation ceased in the early 2000s. |
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In the [[United Kingdom]], Westbus Australia took over Swinards Coaches, [[Ashford, Kent]] and ADP Travel Services of [[Hounslow]] to form Westbus UK in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westbus.co.uk/our-history|title=Our History|website=Westbus UK| |
In the [[United Kingdom]], Westbus Australia took over Swinards Coaches, [[Ashford, Kent]] and ADP Travel Services of [[Hounslow]] to form Westbus UK in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westbus.co.uk/our-history|title=Our History|website=Westbus UK|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810113718/https://www.westbus.co.uk/our-history|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2005, Westbus UK has continued to exist as a separate entity to Westbus Australia, despite using Westbus Australia's old name, logo and livery, and having the same owners. It is now owned by [[CityFleet Networks]], also a wholly owned subsidiary of [[ComfortDelGro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/comfortdelgro-to-buy-remaining-stake-in-cityfleet-networks-for-s14-million|title=ComfortDelGro to buy remaining stake in CityFleet Networks for S$14 million|publisher=Business Times|date=28 June 2017|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810173915/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/comfortdelgro-to-buy-remaining-stake-in-cityfleet-networks-for-s14-million|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In May 1999, British coach operator [[National Express]] |
By 1999, 57% shareholding of Westbus was held by Bosnjak Holdings, the main subsidiary of [[National Bus Company (Australia)|National Bus Company]], which is also owned by Jim Bosnjak and his sister-in-law Carol. In May 1999, British coach operator [[National Express]] purchased National Bus Company and in turn took the 57% shareholding in Westbus held by National Bus Company.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125233434/http://www2.hemscott.com/scripts/AFXnewstory.dll/text?EPIC=NEX&SerialNumber=1142&NewsType=AFR&Indate=10/05/1999 Acquisition of Australian urban bus operator National Bus Company] National Express 10 May 1999</ref> Members of the founding Bosnjak family including Jim continued to hold the remaining shares. Jim Bosnjak also continued to be Chairman of National Bus Company. |
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In December 2004, Westbus' [[Northmead, New South Wales|Northmead]] and [[Seven Hills, New South Wales|Seven Hills]] operations were merged with those of the newly acquired [[Glenorie Bus Company]] under the [[Hillsbus]] brand. |
In December 2004, Westbus' [[Northmead, New South Wales|Northmead]] and [[Seven Hills, New South Wales|Seven Hills]] operations were merged with those of the newly acquired [[Glenorie Bus Company]] under the [[Hillsbus]] brand. |
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With debts of $90 million and National Express unwilling to provide further funding, in January 2005 the company was placed into voluntary administration. Westbus's problems threatened a major disruption to Sydney's transport network: the company ranked second only to government-owned [[State Transit Authority|Sydney Buses]] in the commuter bus industry. The company was acquired by ComfortDelGro Cabcharge in October 2005. The new owners pledged to honour the company's contractual obligations to customers and staff.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-westbus-owners-guarantee-jobs-services/2005/08/22/1124562790165.html Westbus sale to joint venture completed] ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' 3 October 2005</ref> The change of ownership saw the company exchange one politically well-connected shareholder, the |
With debts of $90 million and National Express unwilling to provide further funding, in January 2005 the company was placed into voluntary administration. Westbus's problems threatened a major disruption to Sydney's transport network: the company ranked second only to government-owned [[State Transit Authority|Sydney Buses]] in the commuter bus industry. The company was acquired by ComfortDelGro Cabcharge in October 2005. The new owners pledged to honour the company's contractual obligations to customers and staff.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-westbus-owners-guarantee-jobs-services/2005/08/22/1124562790165.html Westbus sale to joint venture completed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414203608/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-westbus-owners-guarantee-jobs-services/2005/08/22/1124562790165.html |date=14 April 2016 }} ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' 3 October 2005</ref> The change of ownership saw the company exchange one politically well-connected shareholder, the Bosnjak family,<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Bus-company-hits-bump-but-its-business-as-usual/2005/01/31/1107020330635.html Bus company hits bump, but it's business as usual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181318/http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Bus-company-hits-bump-but-its-business-as-usual/2005/01/31/1107020330635.html |date=3 March 2016 }} ''Sydney Morning Herald'' 1 February 2005|</ref> for another, [[A2B Australia|Cabcharge's]] Reg Kermode. |
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In August 2006 the routes of [[Baxter's Bus Lines]] were purchased by and absorbed into Westbus [[Sydney Metropolitan Bus Service Contracts|Region 3]] operations.<ref name=CDCFleetlist>[http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/index-cdc.php CDC Group] Australian Bus Fleetlists</ref><ref>[http://www.busesworldwide.org/assets/download/151article.pdf "Changes Galore in Sydney"] ''Buses Worldwide'' November 2007 page 8</ref> Also included in the sale were Baxter's [[Girraween, New South Wales|Girraween]] depot and some of its bus fleet. |
In August 2006 the routes of [[Baxter's Bus Lines]] were purchased by and absorbed into Westbus [[Sydney Metropolitan Bus Service Contracts|Region 3]] operations.<ref name=CDCFleetlist>[http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/index-cdc.php CDC Group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509050301/http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/index-cdc.php |date=9 May 2019 }} Australian Bus Fleetlists</ref><ref>[http://www.busesworldwide.org/assets/download/151article.pdf "Changes Galore in Sydney"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035124/http://www.busesworldwide.org/assets/download/151article.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} ''Buses Worldwide'' November 2007 page 8</ref> Also included in the sale were Baxter's [[Girraween, New South Wales|Girraween]] depot and some of its bus fleet. |
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From 2005 Westbus' services were part of [[Sydney Metropolitan Bus Service Contracts|Sydney Bus Regions 1 and 3]].<ref>[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-1.pdf Region 1] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325104447/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-1.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }} Transport NSW</ref><ref>[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-3.pdf Region 3] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325105456/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-3.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }} Transport NSW</ref> In 2012, these regions were put out to tender by [[Transport for NSW]]. Westbus' bids to retain both regions were not successful, with the Region 1 services operating out of St Marys and Windsor passing to [[ |
From 2005 Westbus' services were part of [[Sydney Metropolitan Bus Service Contracts|Sydney Bus Regions 1 and 3]].<ref>[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-1.pdf Region 1] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325104447/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-1.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }} Transport NSW</ref><ref>[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-3.pdf Region 3] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325105456/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/file/abouttrans/Region-3.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }} Transport NSW</ref> In 2012, these regions were put out to tender by [[Transport for NSW]]. Westbus' bids to retain both regions were not successful, with the Region 1 services operating out of St Marys and Windsor passing to [[Busways]], while the Region 3 services operated by Bonnyrigg and Girraween passing to [[Transit Systems Sydney]], both in October 2013.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cut-costs-or-bus-contracts-will-go-to-private-sector-minister-tells-drivers-20121106-28w5t.html Cut costs or bus contracts will go to private sector, minister tells drivers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305174724/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cut-costs-or-bus-contracts-will-go-to-private-sector-minister-tells-drivers-20121106-28w5t.html |date=5 March 2013 }} ''Sydney Morning Herald'' 7 November 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.busways.com.au/information/news/busways-wins-300-bus-contract-western-sydney Busways wins 300 bus contract in Western Sydney] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426024709/http://www.busways.com.au/information/news/busways-wins-300-bus-contract-western-sydney |date=26 April 2013 }} Busways 7 November 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.transitsystems.com.au/articles/204-transit-systems-awarded-sydney-buses-contract Transit Systems awarded Sydney buses contract] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425120251/http://www.transitsystems.com.au/articles/204-transit-systems-awarded-sydney-buses-contract |date=25 April 2013 }} Transit Systems 7 November 2012</ref> The remaining Westbus fleet was transferred to other ComfortDelGro Australia subsidiaries. |
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==Routes== |
==Routes== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Westbus (CDC Group)}} |
{{commons category|Westbus (CDC Group)}} |
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*[ |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121007234422/http://westbus.com.au/ Archived website (October 2012)] of Westbus |
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*[http://www.busaustralia.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=49 Bus Australia CDC Sydney gallery] |
*[http://www.busaustralia.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=49 Bus Australia CDC Sydney gallery] |
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*[https://www.showbus.com/australia/gallery/westbus.htm Showbus Westbus gallery] |
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{{ComfortDelGro}} |
{{ComfortDelGro}} |
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[[Category:Bus companies of New South Wales]] |
[[Category:Bus companies of New South Wales]] |
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[[Category:ComfortDelGro companies]] |
[[Category:ComfortDelGro companies]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Mobico Group]] |
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[[Category:Transport companies established in 1955]] |
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1955]] |
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[[Category:Transport companies disestablished in 2013]] |
[[Category:Transport companies disestablished in 2013]] |
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[[Category:2013 disestablishments in Australia]] |
[[Category:2013 disestablishments in Australia]] |
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[[Category:Australian companies established in 1955]] |
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Latest revision as of 10:36, 3 July 2023
Parent | ComfortDelGro Cabcharge |
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Founded | 1955 |
Ceased operation | October 2013 |
Service area | Western Sydney |
Service type | Bus services |
Depots | Bonnyrigg Girraween St Marys Windsor |
Website | westbus.com.au |
Westbus was an Australian bus and coach operator that operated bus services in Western Sydney from 1955 until October 2013. Founded by the Bosnjak family, it later became a subsidiary of National Express and later ComfortDelGro Cabcharge (now known as ComfortDelGro Australia).
History[edit]
Westbus's history originates from the Bosnjak family, who entered the transport business in 1955 and traded as Bosnjak's Bus Service. At the time, it operated a fleet of five buses on a route connecting the Sydney suburbs of Canley Vale and Edensor Park.
Bosnjak's purchased a number of bus companies:[1]
- 1963: Parramatta Bus Co
- April 1974: WJ Bale & Sons, Penrith
- November 1976: Fairlines Bus Service, Fairfield
- 1981: Cleary Brothers in 1981
- October 1983: Bowman's Bus Lines, St Marys
- 1987: Route 715 from Toongabbie Transport
- December 1987: Macquarie Towns Coach Lines, Windsor[2]
- December 1988: The rest of Toongabbie Transport[3]
- June 1989: Calabro's, Bonnyrigg[4]
- January 1994: Richardson's Bus & Coach Service, Richmond[5]
All companies began to trade as Westbus in October 1984.[6]
In 1985 the coach business of Rowe's was purchased. A fleet of Volvo B10M coaches were purchased and based at Northmead. Following the purchase of Calabro's in June 1989 both fleets moved to Alexandria and later Arncliffe. The operation ceased in the early 2000s.
In the United Kingdom, Westbus Australia took over Swinards Coaches, Ashford, Kent and ADP Travel Services of Hounslow to form Westbus UK in 1986.[7] Since 2005, Westbus UK has continued to exist as a separate entity to Westbus Australia, despite using Westbus Australia's old name, logo and livery, and having the same owners. It is now owned by CityFleet Networks, also a wholly owned subsidiary of ComfortDelGro.[8]
By 1999, 57% shareholding of Westbus was held by Bosnjak Holdings, the main subsidiary of National Bus Company, which is also owned by Jim Bosnjak and his sister-in-law Carol. In May 1999, British coach operator National Express purchased National Bus Company and in turn took the 57% shareholding in Westbus held by National Bus Company.[9] Members of the founding Bosnjak family including Jim continued to hold the remaining shares. Jim Bosnjak also continued to be Chairman of National Bus Company.
In December 2004, Westbus' Northmead and Seven Hills operations were merged with those of the newly acquired Glenorie Bus Company under the Hillsbus brand.
With debts of $90 million and National Express unwilling to provide further funding, in January 2005 the company was placed into voluntary administration. Westbus's problems threatened a major disruption to Sydney's transport network: the company ranked second only to government-owned Sydney Buses in the commuter bus industry. The company was acquired by ComfortDelGro Cabcharge in October 2005. The new owners pledged to honour the company's contractual obligations to customers and staff.[10] The change of ownership saw the company exchange one politically well-connected shareholder, the Bosnjak family,[11] for another, Cabcharge's Reg Kermode.
In August 2006 the routes of Baxter's Bus Lines were purchased by and absorbed into Westbus Region 3 operations.[12][13] Also included in the sale were Baxter's Girraween depot and some of its bus fleet.
From 2005 Westbus' services were part of Sydney Bus Regions 1 and 3.[14][15] In 2012, these regions were put out to tender by Transport for NSW. Westbus' bids to retain both regions were not successful, with the Region 1 services operating out of St Marys and Windsor passing to Busways, while the Region 3 services operated by Bonnyrigg and Girraween passing to Transit Systems Sydney, both in October 2013.[16][17][18] The remaining Westbus fleet was transferred to other ComfortDelGro Australia subsidiaries.
Routes[edit]
Prior to its cessation in 2013, Westbus operated services in Sydney Bus Regions 1 and 3:
- Region 1:
- Region 3:
- Bus routes 802 to 818 in Sydney's south-western suburbs (Parramatta, Merrylands, Liverpool), with routes 802 & 803 jointly operated with Hopkinsons
- Free Cabramatta Shuttle bus (route 88) from March 2011 to August 2013, jointly operated with Metro-link Bus Lines
Westbus also operated services in the Hills District prior to their rebranding to Hillsbus in December 2004:
- Bus routes 600 to 618 in Sydney's north-western suburbs, including express services along the M2 Hills Motorway to Railway Square
- Red Arrow route 630 from Blacktown to Macquarie Centre. Jointly operated with Harris Park Transport until December 2004
- Bus routes 700 to 718 in Sydney's western suburbs (Wentworthville, Seven Hills, Blacktown)
Fleet[edit]
A long time Bedford and Leyland buyer, after briefly manufacturing its own Bosnjak JBJ chassis in the late 1970s, Westbus moved to the Volvo B10M purchasing over 160 as buses and 12 as coaches in the 1980s.[4] It later purchased Mercedes-Benz O405 and Scanias.
As at May 2013 Westbus operated 289 buses across four depots in Bonnyrigg and Girraween for Region 3 and St Marys and Windsor for Region 1.[12] Upon formation in 1983 Westbus adopted a cream and red livery, which was adopted by National Bus Company in 1993. This was simplified in the early 2000s to plain yellow. In 2010 the Transport for NSW white and blue livery began to be applied in line with contractual obligations.
References[edit]
- ^ Westbus History Westbus
- ^ "Macquarie Towns, South Windsor" Fleetline March 1988 page 66
- ^ "Industry Rationalisation - Sydney and Melbourne" Australian Bus Panorama issue 4/5 March 1989 page 13
- ^ a b New South Wales Bus Operators and Fleet Listings. Sydney: Historic Commercial Vehicle Association. 1993. pp. 20, 115.
- ^ "Ownership changes" Fleetline April 1994 page 76
- ^ Thirty years young Australian Bus issue 64 July 2014 page 51
- ^ "Our History". Westbus UK. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "ComfortDelGro to buy remaining stake in CityFleet Networks for S$14 million". Business Times. 28 June 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ Acquisition of Australian urban bus operator National Bus Company National Express 10 May 1999
- ^ Westbus sale to joint venture completed Archived 14 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 3 October 2005
- ^ Bus company hits bump, but it's business as usual Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 1 February 2005|
- ^ a b CDC Group Archived 9 May 2019 at the Wayback Machine Australian Bus Fleetlists
- ^ "Changes Galore in Sydney" Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Buses Worldwide November 2007 page 8
- ^ Region 1 Archived 25 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Transport NSW
- ^ Region 3 Archived 25 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Transport NSW
- ^ Cut costs or bus contracts will go to private sector, minister tells drivers Archived 5 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 7 November 2012
- ^ Busways wins 300 bus contract in Western Sydney Archived 26 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Busways 7 November 2012
- ^ Transit Systems awarded Sydney buses contract Archived 25 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Transit Systems 7 November 2012