Ryan Bros Bus Service in the Essendon area will cease operating their route services at the end of June as a result of the State Goverment’s competitive tender process.

Ryan’s three routes will be absorbed by the CDC-Kastoria partnership in the north-western suburbs as part of the new Melbourne Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises.

While Ryan’s will continue to operate their school and charter bus operations, the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria (BCSV) will celebrate Ryan’s 78 years of route service on Sunday 6th April.

The date has been chosen due to the extensive school sport charter work undertaken on weekends by Ryan’s during term time, with Ryan’s requesting that the tour occur on a weekend during the April school holidays – the last school holiday period before changeover day.

We understand a second event for the wider community will be held by the company in late June – watch this space for further details.

PICK-UPs
There will be a pick-up at Southern Cross Station at 10am (216 bus stop on Spencer St near Coles) with other pick-up locations announced closer to the tour.

The tour will begin at the depot at 10:30am, with members from the northern & western suburbs able to arrive by car.

The tour should conclude at about 3:30pm with a drop off at Southern Cross at around 4pm.

At this stage there’s planned rail replacement across the Sunbury, Werribee, Williamstown, Glen Waverley & Geelong Lines and attendees are requested to allow additional travel time.

FARE
The fare for BCSV members will be $5 with U/18s free. Fares payable on the day by cash

The non-member fare will be $15 with U/18s $10.

MEMBERSHIP OFFER
New members can join up at the tour for a special deal of $70 ($55 student and pensioner rate) which will cover you up until 30 June 2026.

This special rate includes the March & May editions of Australian Bus Panorama magazine plus all 7 editions for the coming financial year.

Anyone who joins the society on the day will be able to travel on the cheaper $5 members’ fare.

Membership benefits & forms – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/

RSVP
Members interested in attending are requested to let the BCSV secretary, Paul Kennelly, know via email in order to assist with catering – secretary@bcsv.org.au

LUNCH
Ryan’s have offered to provide lunch on the day, for which we are very grateful.

Please advise us by email of any dietary requirements – secretary@bcsv.org.au

HI-VIS VESTS
As this visit will be on the depot premises, hi-vis vests are required. A small number of spares will be available for those who forget.

COMPANY OVERVIEW
In August 1947, members of the Ryan family (Annie with three of her sons John, Patrick and Gerald) purchased the Moonee Ponds Station to Aberfeldie service , route 15A and now route 467, from Peter Callaghan, along with 4 Reo buses.

The partnership soon became known as Ryan Brothers with the initial depot at 827 Mt Alexander Road. In the early 50s, it moved to the other end of the route at Brunel Street, where they stayed for many years until they moved to the current depot in Beverage Drive, Tullamarine in the late 80s.

In January 1970, Ryan’s purchased the Buckley Street route, initially route 17A now Route 465, from the Hills brothers, with 6 buses.

Ryan’s were an early member of the BCSV with (young) Pat Ryan being a keen preservationist who eventually became the sole owner of the business.

After his untimely death in 2019, Pat’s wife, Kath Feehan, assumed ownership and will host our tour along with manager, Daniel Zampatti.