FROM THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

DATE: Tuesday, July 18, 2000


MINISTER CONGRATULATES MELBOURNE’S BUS OPERATORS FOR GETTING BEHIND THE OLYMPICS


The Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor, today congratulated Melbourne’s suburban bus operators for doing their bit to help with the smooth running of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Mr Batchelor said the number of buses supplied by Victorian operators for the Olympics in September had now swelled to more than 420. The Minister thanked local operators for eagerly responding to a request for extra buses to ensure the transport network for the Games would be world class.

“The response from Victoria’s bus operators to the request from the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority has been terrific and a reflection of their professionalism and pride for ensuring the transport system for the Games is a success.”

“The eyes of the world will be on Australia during the two weeks of the Games. Therefore, it is important that all services connected with the Olympics are provided efficiently and effectively.”

“The ongoing benefits from the Olympics will flow across Australia and we need to impress upon the international athletes and their supporters that Australia has a modern, accessible and reliable transport network.”

Mr Batchelor said many of the buses being used for the Olympics would come from Victoria’s school bus fleet.

“As the Olympics is being held during the school holidays, the impact on regular, route bus services will be kept to a minimum.”

“I am sure the Olympics organisers and everyone involved with the Games will greatly appreciate the help of our bus operators for coming to their assistance during this historic time for Australia,” said Mr Batchelor.














The following Melbourne bus companies are supplying vehicles to the Olympics:

§ Bell Street Bus Company
§ Croydon Bus Lines
§ Driver Bus Lines
§ Dyson’s Bus Services
§ Grenda Group of Companies
§ Hurstbridge Bus & Coach
§ Ivanhoe Bus Company
§ Kastoria Bus Lines
§ Kefford Group of Companies
§ McKenzie’s Tourist Services
§ Melbourne Bus Link
§ Moreland Bus Lines
§ Mt Dandenong Passenger Service
§ National Bus Company
§ Reservoir Bus Company
§ Sita Bus Lines
§ Sunbury Bus Service
§ Tullamarine Bus Lines
§ U S Bus Lines
§ Ventura Bus Lines