BCSV Feb Tour: Shepparton Day Trip
2018-02-25 09:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Join the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for single day tour on Sunday 25 February 2018 visiting three local operators in the Shepparton/Mooroopna district – Ford’s, Dyson’s and Balfour’s.

PICK UPs:

* 8.15am – Sandbelt Carpark Moorabbin, Cnr Bignell Rd & Nellbern Rd (return 7.50pm)

* 8.35am – Caulfield – Caulfield Station, north side, 624 bus stop: awaits train from Frankston due 8.30am (return 7.30pm)

* 9.00am – Southern Cross Station – Spencer St, at 216/219 bus stop (return 7.00pm)

COST:
$10 for members, including a BBQ lunch
$20 for non-members, including a BBQ lunch
Under 18s are half price.
Pay onboard.
RSVP:
Please advise attendance for catering purposes by selecting “Going” on the Facebook event page or sending us an email to tours@bcsv.org.au
Those with dietary requirements should also let us know beforehand.

BCSV August Tour Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines
2018-08-04 09:30 - 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017.
After assembling in Melbourne’s north-west, everyone will travel to Castlemaine onboard Moonee Valley Coaches’ magnificently restored Austral Tourmaster, where we will spend the majority of the day enjoying the hospitality of Jamie Whitmore.
We will also pay brief visits to one or two other small operators during the day as a bonus – to be announced on the day.
Then on Sunday 5 August CDC Victoria will host us at their new super depot in Wyndham. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-cdc-wyndham-depot/ )
Further details will be advised closer to the date.
COST:
$10 for members
$20 for non-members
Half price for under 18s
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy: 8:45am (return 6.20pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9:05am (return 6pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 6:15pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return 6pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am (return 5:30pm)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
A BBQ lunch will be held in Castlemaine on the Saturday (included in your fare). Please advise of any dietary requirements to tours@bcsv.org.au
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV August Tour Day 2: CDC Wyndham Depot & 50 years re-enactment
2018-08-05 09:30 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017. Moonee Valley Coaches will transport us to Castlemaine onboard their preserved Austral. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-day-1-castlemaine-bus-lines/ )
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria are excited to announce a visit to CDC Victoria’s new Wyndham Depot on Sunday 5 August 2018. This new state-of-the-art facility replaced the former Altona and Werribee depots at the start of the year.
After enjoying lunch at Pacific Werribee (aka Werribee Plaza), we will return to the inner southern suburbs to re-enact the tour that was the genesis of the Society 50 years ago – held on Saturday 27th July 1968, prior to the formation of the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria later that year.
This tour, which followed local Nuline routes around the Brighton area, was organised by Paul Nicholson, John Masterton and Bruce Tilley. We are pleased to announce that Paul Nicholson will join us next Sunday as our guest for a re-enactment of that very first tour. At least three heritage buses will be involved in the event.
COST:
$5 for members
$15 for non members
Under 18s half price
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station (first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy): 8:35am (return 5.35pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9am (return 5:15pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 4:50pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return either 2:45pm & 4:30pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am
NB: Bus #2 will not return to the City after the re-enactment. Express trains depart Caulfield at 10 min intervals – 4:40pm train to City from Caulfield will arrive Southern Cross at 4:58pm. Also see Hoppers Crossing option below.
BUS 3 – WESTERN SUBURBS & GEELONG
* Tarneit Station – 170 stop outside platform 1 – 10:05am (awaits the arrival of the 10:04am train from Geelong)
NB: Bus #3 does not offer a return drop-off. Passengers taking this option can either leave us at Werribee Plaza at 12:45pm & take a 170 bus back to Tarneit (buses operate every 20 mins) or find their own way home from Cauflield at the end of the afternoon re-enactment (drop off at 4:30pm)
HOPPERS CROSSING DROP-OFF
After lunch (approx. 12.45pm to 1.30pm), buses 1 & 2 will travel via Hoppers Crossing Station to drop-off anyone who does not wish to participate in the re-enactment. The 1:48pm train back to Melbourne arrives Flinders St 2:37pm & Southern Cross 2:42pm
CAULFIELD AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Those only wishing to join us for the afternoon portion are welcome to meet us at Caulfield Station. We plan to depart at 2:45pm from the 624 Oakleigh stop outside the racecourse at the corner of Normanby Rd & Station St (the stand once used for the 115A to Middle Brighton & Southland)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
On Sunday choose from one of the many food court options at Werribee Plaza. Lunch is expected to be between 12:45pm & 1:30pm.
High-vis vests must be worn at the CDC depot.
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV Members' Tour: Volgren Dandenong
2019-01-25 | Volgren Dandenong, 221-243 Hammond Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia
We are pleased to confirm the date and time for our members-only tour for January 2019, to be held on the afternoon on Friday 25 January 2019.
Some significant late changes have been made.
In some good news, we have been able to secure an additional 10 spaces for the visit to Volgren. All members on the wait list will now be able to attend. Thanks to those on the wait list for their patience.
Unfortunately, Kingstons Tours have cancelled the planned tour bonus. Management has advised us that, due to work requirements and availability of staff, they will not be able to host us at this time. We apologise for this, but the decision was beyond our control.
For the Volgren tour, those currently on the wait list will be emailed a copy of their ticket from TryBooking over the weekend. However, given the modest numbers attending, we will not require presentation of the tickets on the day. We have used this “no cost” tour to trial the online booking process and will modify it in the future based on our experience and feedback from members.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Volgren has now requested we stagger the arrival of the groups of attendees to best manage the day, especially the brief induction period which can only be done in small groups. The cancellation of Kingstons has also allowed an earlier start (first group 2pm), also something that Volgren welcomed given the size of the group.
To ensure the staggering of groups of the Volgren visit, we are going to request that attendees reserve a spot in one of four groups. These are split up into those who will be driving and those who are using the transfer options from Dandenong.
The visit for each group will remain approximately 2 hours in duration. Those who are driving will be able to leave at the end of their guided tour or otherwise hang around for the group shot at the end.
TOUR GROUPS
The four groups are as follows:
GROUP 1 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2pm start, finish approx 4pm
GROUP 2 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2:15pm start, finish approx 4:15pm
GROUP 3 – HERITAGE TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:15pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
GROUP 4 – MODERN TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:30pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
Those in Groups 3 & 4 will have the option to return back to Dandenong on the alternative vehicle.
Those driving or carpooling should park in the staff carpark off Hammond Rd with overflow parking on the side street (Ruhr Street). Volgren advises some staff will still be in attendance in the factory on the day of the visit despite the RDO.
RSVP
We suggest you make contact with friends you hope to share the afternoon with and then email tours@bcsv.org.au with your preferred option. Spots will be allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Should an option reach capacity, will we place you on the list for the alternative choice, mindful of friendship groups.
Most attendees who failed to select an option were contacted on Wednesday with an allocation made by the tours team, to ensure they are aware of the changes.
Please note that these bookings are restricted to those who had previously secured a spot via an online bookings or had placed their name on the waiting list before it closed. No late comers.
EXTREME HEAT FORECAST – 44 degrees (REVISED AGAIN!)
Please be aware of the current forecast of 44 degrees on Friday ahead of an afternoon cool change. We can only hope the cool change arrives early at this stage, as it will be a sleepless 29 degrees overnight too.

The option of postponing the tour would have been best made on Sunday when the committee met for their bi-monthly meeting, but at that stage the official BoM forecast for Friday was just 35 degrees with a lunchtime cool change. (Meteorologist Jane Bunn on Channel 7 took it upon herself to issue a more realistic forecast of 40 degrees on Sunday night’s news, while the committee meeting was already underway)
At this stage, the tour will proceed as a number of members have chosen to take the day off work to attend, and alternative dates in school term are difficult for a number of people who study or work as school charter drivers.
Older members may wish to give the visit a miss on health grounds. We’d appreciate those who are no longer coming to advise us via reply email so the attendance list can be updated.
For those who decide to attend, chilled water and soft drink will be offered at both the start of the day, during the visit and with afternoon tea at the end. This will be at no cost to attendees.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS – Pants & Hi-Vis Vests mandatory
As advised over the weekend, Volgren has strict requirements for all visitors to wear full length pants in the production areas of the factory. As the factory will be partly operational on Friday, this requirement has not changed despite the forecast of 43 degrees.
Those who wear shorts (or indeed less) may find themselves forced to sit out for large sections of the tour.
We’d further suggest wearing a shirt/T-shirt with at least half-length sleeves, rather than a singlet.
Members should also ensure they bring their hi-vis vest as required by Volgren inside the factory. A small number of vests will be available on the day.
Closed shoes are also required. Ideally leather shoes would be worn, however rubber/vinyl runners/sneakers will be accepted given some members may not own leather shoes.
Volgren have asked us to stress that, “If attendees are not wearing the correct attire they will not be allowed into the factory.”

As the tour will include the outside sections of the plant, we’d encourage members to wear a hat to avoid getting sunburnt. The society will have a bottle of sunscreen available upon arrival.

VOLGREN CODE OF CONDUCT
The code of conduct for visitors at the Volgren factory covers other key rules including not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, no mobile phone usage inside the plant and photography restrictions.

Agreeing to the code of conduct is part of the requirement of entering the factory. Failure to comply with the code will see ejection from the plant.
Those with access to printers are encouraged to print their own copy out, sign it and bring it on Friday, however printed copies can be obtained upon arrival.

E-TICKETS
Please note the presentation of E-Tickets from Trybooking are not required for this tour. The E-Tickets are issued automatically and were to confirm your spot when bookings opened. As we know everyone coming well, we’ll simply cross your name off the attendance lists for each group.

Save some paper and just print off the Code of Conduct attached!

QUESTIONS
Any last minute questions should be directed to tours@bcsv.org.au or call BCSV secretary Jason Blackman on 0406 407 004.

BCSV June Tour: Optares & Ventura Monbulk
2019-06-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Croydon Railway Station, Wicklow Avenue, Croydon, VIC, 3136, Australia
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will hold an afternoon tour on Sunday 23 June featuring a chance to sample the Optare Solo and Tempo buses along with a visit to Ventura’s Monbulk depot.
The tour will commence at Croydon Railway Station in outer eastern Melbourne at 1pm (awaiting the 1pm train arrival from Melbourne) and conclude around 4pm with a drop off at Croydon Station.
Fares are $5 for BCSV members and $10 for non-members.
Attendees should have lunch beforehand (or at least bring a packed lunch), although cold drinks will be available on the day.

Ethanol Scania Farewell
2019-10-13 11:00 - 16:00
Enjoy a final sugar-hit to send off Ventura’s Ethanol-powered Scania L94UBs on Sunday 13 October.
After nearly 19 successful years of service, these trial vehicles are soon to be withdrawn ahead of the arrival of another 15 Scania K310UB low floors in the final months of 2019, thus bringing the experiment to an end.
These are believed to be the only three 100% Ethanol powered buses in Australia, each powered by sugar cane waste by-product.
Common in Sweden and Brazil, the cost of ethanol fuel in Australia has been a large barrier, prohibitive for a widespread roll-out. A similar trial of Canola bio-diesel by Invicta in 2001/2002 also came to a halt due to cost and the availability of the fuel.
We will use two of the three Ethanol buses for our farewell tour on Sunday 13 October. The date has been chosen to avoid a clash with the two-day Adelaide tour in late October.
Our tour will commence at Huntingdale Station bus interchange at 11am (awaiting the 10:55am train arrival from Melbourne) and travel along sections of Oakleigh Depot routes the trio were commonly used on.
We expect to return to Huntingdale around 4pm.
Those seeking a shorter day are welcome to depart the tour at Box Hill around 2:30pm. Attendees also have the option to board the latter part of the tour here and join us for the last hour & a half.
A lunch stop will be provided at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre (own expense).
Owing to the short notice, the BCSV committee has decided that the tour will be free to BCSV members, including those who join or renew on the day. The non-members fare is $10, with under 18s half price.
Membership info – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
We thank Ventura management for their assistance in making the farewell possible.

Spring Heritage Hurrah to Seymour
2019-10-19 09:00 - 18:00
Join the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria for a heritage bus and coach running day on Saturday 19th October, featuring various heritage buses and coaches from both Moonee Valley Bus Lines & Driver Bus Lines.
Our ultimate destination for the day will be Seymour, including a visit to the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC), who will be hosting a public open day.

PICKUPs

We can confirm the following pick-up info. Oakleigh and Caulfield are both out due to station works and the Caulfield Cup respectively. There will be parking available around Malvern station for those who wish to join there.

Bus 1 – Vehicle(s) from Driver Classics fleet (TBC)

* Huntingdale Station (601 stop in bus interchange): 8:45am

* Malvern Station (City-bound rail replacement stop on Dandenong Rd, outside Contour Panel Works): 9:05am

* Southern Cross Station (216/219 stop on Spencer St at Lonsdale St, outside Coles): 9:30am

Bus 2 – 1989 ‘Eagle Model 20’ from Driver Classics fleet

* Mt Waverley Shops (733 ‘Box Hill’ stop on Stephensons Rd): 8:30am

* Box Hill Station (612 stop in bus interchange): 8:45am

* Essendon Station (903 ‘Mordialloc’ stop on Mt Alexander Rd) – 9:35am (on request to tours@bcsv.org.au)

Anyone planning to meet us at Moonee Valley Coaches should arrive by 9:50am for a 10am start.

DROP-OFFs

The same vehicles will return participants home, as follows (all times approximate):

Bus 1

* Southern Cross Station: 4:45pm

* Malvern Station: 5:10pm

* Huntingdale Station: 5:30pm

Bus 2

* Essendon Station: 4:30pm (on request)

* Box Hill Station: 5:20pm

* Mt Waverley Shops: 5:40pm

MORNING TEA & LUNCH

After our heritage rides at Moonee Valley Coaches we will enjoy a late morning tea before departing for Seymour.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) has advised that the local SES will be hosting a community BBQ on site as part of their open day. Accordingly, we have agreed to forgo our private BBQ, and instead participants can either support the SES and purchase a snag from them or alternatively, may wish to BYO sandwiches (etc) from home.

FARES

The members’ fare remains at $5, which includes morning tea. SES BBQ lunch at your expense.

Non-members fare has been dropped to $15 with the SES BBQ lunch at your expense.

Under 18s half price ($2.50 members & $7.50 non-members).

VESTs & TOUR ETIQUETTE

Hi-vis vests will be required at Moonee Valley Coaches. Limited spares available.

Attendees are encouraged to refresh themselves with our tour etiquette guidelines – https://bcsv.org.au/events-overview/tour-etiquette

RSVPs

Anyone who has booked a one-way trip home on either the R707 or DERMPAV heritage train services departing Seymour early afternoon MUST email tours@bcsv.org.au to ensure that we aren’t looking for you when we leave Seymour.

Likewise, those wishing to board Bus 2 in Essendon must request this pick-up.

For everyone else, we’d greatly appreciate if you could select “Going” on the Facebook event page to indicate your planned attendance.

Link – https://www.facebook.com/events/369115680706899/

OPTIONAL TRAIN RIDES HOME!
We have ensured our programme for the day will allow participants the chance to partake in an OPTIONAL alternative way home.
Both 707 Operations Inc and Dermpav Victoria will be operating heritage train services to Seymour on the same day as part of Tastes of the Goulburn 2019 and are offering one-way fares.
Our programme will include a 90 min morning visit to Moonee Valley Coaches including rides on restored vehicles before we depart for Seymour. We expect to arrive Seymour around 1pm.
Our lunch stop & second highlight will be Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) who are hosting a public open day.
Our coach convoy is expected to depart Seymour between 2:30pm & 3pm.
Participants who wish to travel back by heritage train have two exciting options:
* R707 steam train, departing Seymour at 2:05pm, arriving Southern Cross at 3:50pm ($45 one-way)
* DERM railmotor 58, departing Seymour at 3:12pm, arriving Southern Cross at 4:54pm ($30 one-way)
Participants can also consider an early afternoon shuttle ride on the DERM in the Seymour area ($15) but will need to make their own way back to Melbourne via either the DERM option or the regular V/Line services ($12.46 Zones 1+6 full fare).
Details regarding bookings & intermediate stops enroute can be found online at:
R707 – http://www.707operations.com.au/
DERMPAV – https://www.dermpav.net.au/
Those wishing to travel back to Melbourne by train MUST book their seats themselves via the respective heritage group websites in advance and additionally advise us via email at tours@bcsv.org.au to assist with our headcounts departing Seymour.
BOOKINGS ON THE TRAINS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED.
All enquires regarding the train options should be made directly to the respective heritage train group.
The BCSV takes no liability for any missed train connections due to unforeseen delays or issues with the return train services.

BCSV Tour and Depot Visit to McHarrys, Geelong
2021-01-31 08:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus and Coach Society is pleased to announce that its first post-covid lockdown tour to McHarry’s, Geelong will take place on Sunday 31 January 2021, visiting both the main depot and a satellite depot with a BBQ lunch included. This event was to have run in March 2020 but had to be deferred.
COST
Tour cost will be $10 for members, and $20 for non members with a 50% discount for persons under 18.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
For those yet to renew their membership for 2020-2021, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
Cash payments will be accepted on the day.
TRANSFER COACH / PICK-UPs
The transfer coach for the day has kindly been provided by Bayside/ Nuline with volunteer driver and BCSV member Jason Lipszyc at the wheel. We thank both the company and Jason for their involvement. People may be aware that the company has provided a lot of support for the Fight MND charity, including having a coach in wrap livery. As a mark of our respect for Bayside/ Nuline, the BCSV Committee has agreed that all revenue from the tour, less expenses, will be donated to Fight MND. We also thank McHarry’s for their willingness to host our visit.

**UPDATE** We are pleased to announce that a second tour coach has been generously provided by Gary Driver & Driver Bus Lines. This will ensure enough seats for everyone and allow greater social distancing.

Members can choose to travel on either coach.

COACH 1 – BAYSIDE
* Bayside Depot at 36 Whiteside Road, Clayton at 8am (please park in the drivers’ car park NOT the main bus yard. This is NOT a depot visit on this occasion and attendees should move straight from car to the transfer coach.).
* Caulfield Station, north side, 8.25am
* Malvern Station, south side, outside Tyreplus, 8.30am
The coach will then run express to Geelong.
Drop offs on the way home will be at around 5.25pm at Malvern and 5.30pm at Caulfield with arrival at the Bayside depot at about 6pm.

COACH 2 – DRIVER
* Driver Depot at 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mt Waverley at 8.25am (please be at the depot by 8.20am).
* Southern Cross outside Coles near the intersection with Lonsdale Street at 9am
The coach will then run express to Geelong.
Drop off at SC on the way home will be at around 5pm for those with connections. Arrival at Mt Waverley should be around 5.30pm.
GEELONG LOCALS
A pick-up at Marshall Station at 10:15am will still be available for those who have requested it. For anyone wishing to drive directly to McHarrys, parking is available in Reeves Court, Breakwater.

For anyone wishing to drive directly to McHarrys, parking is available in Reeves Court, Breakwater.
The depot visit will last from approx. 10.30am to approx. 3.30pm.
2020 BCSV AGM
The 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will be held on Sunday 31st January 2021 at the McHarry’s Buslines depot, 6 Reeves Court, Breakwater at 1pm, prior to lunch.

The AGM is now being held at Geelong in order to allow tour attendees joining at Geelong to participate.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
Further details including committee nomination forms & proxy forms can be found at https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-agm-2020/

COVID-SAFE RULES

Hi Viz vests will be required to be worn inside the McHarry depot premises and a few additional covid safe rules will apply.
Be aware that these may be subject to change if there are any changes to Government Health directions.

In addition to recording names in the attendance book, your phone number will also need to be recorded. This applies to both members and non-members.
Masks are to be worn on board the transfer coach, on board any McHarry buses taken out for a run and inside the McHarry office/ workshop buildings. Masks will probably not be required whilst out in the depot yards.
Supplies of hand sanitiser will be available. Please use it regularly during the day and especially before eating lunch.
Please observe social distancing requirements as far as is possible.
The procedure for photo lines for posed vehicles may be adjusted to have 6-8 people at a time taking pics instead of everyone crowding together. Participants will need to abide by instructions from the tour organisers to make this go smoothly.
RSVP
Please advise of your attendance to the Facebook event page. Alternatively, contact BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly – Phone: (03) 9509 1593 or Email: secretary@bcsv.org.au

Driver Coaches 90th Anniversary
2021-04-10 12:30 - 2021-04-11 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Join the BCSV as we celebrate 90 years of operation for Driver Bus Lines in Melbourne’s eastern & south-eastern suburbs. The tour weekend over two days will include visits to the depots in both Mt Waverley and Hastings and opportunities to photograph and ride the extensive Driver Classics heritage fleet, especially on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday 10th April
MT WAVERLEY DEPOT including DRIVER CLASSICS FLEET SHOWCASE
* Suburban pick up at Oakleigh Station (south side Route 733 stop) 12.30pm.
* Commence at 45-53 Ricketts Road by 1.00pm (street parking is available for those travelling by car).
Opening ceremony, inspection of depot area and small group photography of a variety of pre posed buses around the depot.
During the afternoon there will be further posing buses for photos and bus rides in both heritage and modern vehicles.
Event will conclude around 5.00pm with a transfer available back to Oakleigh Station.
Please note there will be no catering for this afternoon other than the availability of soft drinks so please ensure you have lunched beforehand. No food is to be consumed on site.
Sunday 11th April.
HASTINGS DEPOT
* CBD (Flinders Street near Elizabeth Street westbound V/Line bus stop) pick up 8.30am – UPDATED due to tram works
* Caulfield Station (north side route 900 bus stop) pick up 8.55 am.
* Glen Waverley Bus Interchange (623 bay) pick up 9.00am (Bus 2) – ADDITIONAL STOP ADDED
* Depart Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley (street pick up, no entry to depot this morning) by 9.20am.
* Travel to Hastings depot 6B Bray Street, arriving approx. 10.30am. Street parking in Bray Street is available for those travelling direct to Hastings by car.
10.30am-12 noon depot inspection, posing of buses for photos, bus rides
12 noon – 1.30pm Travel to Hastings foreshore for BBQ lunch.
1.30pm-4.00pm further bus rides and posing of buses for photos.
4.00pm depart Hastings for return to Caulfield, City (approx. 5.30pm) and Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley.
Costs:
Saturday: Members $5, Non-Members $10. U/18s half price.
Sunday: Members $10, Non-members $20, including BBQ lunch. U/18s half price.
Safety and Covid Requirements (Please read carefully)
Please note that as Driver Coaches are required to have a comprehensive Covid Safe Plan in place for their business, the BCSV event covid plan is required to be consistent with that as far as is possible. A copy of the plan is available for download.
Our sincere thanks to Mark Driver for his guidance and co-operation and to Gary Driver, Ben Knight and Jason Lipszyc for much of the organisation.
Hi Viz vests will be required to be worn inside depot premises and additional Covid safe rules will apply. Be aware that these may be subject to change if there are any changes to Government Health directions.
In addition to recording names in the attendance book, your email address or phone number will also need to be recorded. This applies to both members and non-members.
Masks are to be worn on board the transfer coach, on board any Driver buses taken out for a run but are now not required in buildings. The only exceptions will be those who have demonstrated a medical exemption from mask wearing. Masks will not be required whilst out in the depot yards.
Supplies of hand sanitiser will be available at the depots and on board transfer buses. Please use it regularly during the day and especially before eating lunch. Coughing etiquette (into your elbow) should also be observed.
Please observe social distancing requirements as far as is possible. Please distribute yourselves more or less equally between transfer buses and those used for rides. Opportunities to change bus will be provided.
RSVP
Please advise your attendance on the Facebook event page (BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria) or email the Secretary at secretary@bcsv.org.au
Fare payment (cash) on the day.

Ventura Artic Riding Day - old & new
2021-05-16 10:30 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
After two successful depot visits, its time for something different.
In 1985-6 Grenda and Invicta were two of the operators to acquire ex Tsukaba Expo Volvo/ Fuji artics.
By 2000 these were wearing out and new Scania L94UA/ Volgren artics replaced them mainly between 2000 and 2003. Now these too have had their day and are currently being replaced by current model Scanias.
On this “riding” tour we plan to use two of the original ex Grenda / ex Invicta (now Ventura) Scania low floor artics that are soon to be retired, both a Dandenong and Lilydale Scania L94UA. During the day, we will swap one for a brand new Scania K360UA.
We thank Andrew Cornwall at Ventura for providing the vehicles, and members Andrew Fairhall, Craig Halsall and Nathan Lawlor for the organisation.
Itinerary:
Pick-up Ringwood Station – 963/969 Night Bus stop on Maroondah Hwy – 10:00 (1 bus)
Pick-up Dandenong Station – V/Line bay – 10:30 (2 buses)
Lunch at Dandenong Plaza 13:30 – 14:30 at you own expense
Drop-off Dandenong Station 16:30 (1 Bus)
Drop-off Ringwood Station 16:45 (1 bus)
Advance notices suggest buses will be replacing trains Camberwell to Belgrave and Lilydale on that weekend, so Dandenong is strongly recommended for those coming from the City.
Tour cost:
Free for members, non-members $10 or free if they join for 2021-22 on the day.
COVID-SAFE requirements
The Covid requirements for the tour will involve mask wearing whilst on vehicles along with the use of hand sanitiser.

BCSV daytrip to MOVE museum (Shepparton)
2022-01-29 08:20 - 18:00 | Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), 7723 Goulburn Valley Hwy,, Kialla, VIC, 3630, Australia
Following the official opening of the expanded Museum of Vehicle Evolution in Shepparton in November, and the placement of five buses into the display, the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is planning to make a visit for the bus enthusiast community on Saturday 29th January 2022.

This will be a full day trip, with lunch provided in Shepparton.

AGM:
We will also take the opportunity to hold our Annual General Meeting (deferred due to COVID-19 restrictions) at the MOVE facility where they have a conference room.

Formal notification of the AGM can be found on our website – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-agm-2021-2022/

TRANSFER BUSES:
Due to RSVP numbers, we are now taking only one bus from the Driver depot and that bus will pick up at Oakleigh, now also at Caulfield and in the City. It means an earlier start.
For regional attendees and those living Melbourne’s west, we have also added an additional Deer Park pick-up which will wait for trains from Geelong and Ballarat.
Buses will leave from a number of points in Melbourne:
BUS 1 (DRIVER GROUP)
note earlier times & extra Caulfield pickup
* Mount Waverley Depot – Ricketts Rd 7:50am
* Oakleigh Station (south side bus stop route 733 – Johnson St) 8am
* Caulfield Station (north side bus stop route 624 Kew – Sir John Monash Dr) 8.20am
* Southern Cross Station (216 bus stop on Spencer St opposite Lonsdale Street, near Coles) 8:50am
BUS 2 (SUNSHINE SCENIC TOURS)
note extra Deer Park pickup
* Deer Park Station carpark (rail replacement stop) 8:30am
* Broadmeadows Station (general bus stops – Pascoe Vale Rd) 9am
There will be a 15-minute toilet stop at Wallan where attendees will be able to change vehicles. On the return we will do the same at Tallarook.
For anyone making their own way to the Museum, we aim to arrive by 11:30am. Please wait for the buses to arrive.
Our return arrangements will be a departure by 3:30pm with a drop off at the various Melbourne pick up sites by 6:00pm.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Attendees of the daytrip and AGM are required to be double vaccinated and to use the QR code check-in on the buses and at the museum.
Masks are to be worn on the buses and as directed by MOVE staff at the Museum. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the tour and AGM. Attendees should socially distance as much as the circumstances allow.

COST:
The tour will be free for BCSV members with non-members to be charged $20. This includes entrance to the museum and lunch.

New members can join on the day and not have to pay to attend – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
RSVP:
Select “Going” on the Facebook event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/223291673292382
Alternatively, email secretary Paul Kennelly at secretary@bcsv.org.au

BCSV: Ryans and Moonee Valley Tour
2022-06-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Our next tour for 2022 will be held on Saturday 25 June when we will visit two nearby operators in Melbourne’s north west. One, Moonee Valley Coaches we have visited regularly, the other Ryans has not been visited for more than 20 years. Our thanks go to the Ryan and Higginson families for their hospitality.

They day will commence at Ryans, 11 Beverage Drive, Tullamarine, at 10.00 am where we will have the chance to inspect and ride in a range of vehicles both old and current.

Somewhere between noon and 12.30 we will move just down the road to Moonee Valley Bus Lines where a BBQ lunch will be provided followed by a chance to view their most recently completed restoration project as well as other fleet vehicles.

TOUR UPDATE – BY POPULAR DEMAND!
With strong attendance expected, a second transfer bus will now be provided. An extra pickup will be made at Caulfield while our Ringwood departure will move slightly later.
TRANSFER BUS #1
* Ringwood Station bus interchange – 8:45am
* Southern Cross Station (216 stop on Spencer St near Coles) – 9:30am
TRANSFER BUS #2
* Oakleigh Station (south side) – Johnson St – 9am
* Caulfield Station (north side) – 624 Kew Stop, Sir John Monash Dr – 9:15am
Buses will remain under wraps until the day.

The transfer buses will return to these locations at the end of the day with the city set down aimed to be at 4.00pm.

Please advise of your intended attendance so that catering requirements can be estimated. Select “Going” on the Facebook event page or email Secretary Paul Kennelly secretary@bcsv.org.au

Tour cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Under 18s half price.

BCSV Weekender to Echuca, Deniliquin & Shepparton
2023-03-25 08:00 - 2023-03-26 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Expressions of interest are invited for a Bus & Coach Society Victoria weekender bus tour on 25th/26th March, visiting the Echuca, Deniliquin & Shepparton.

Tour coaches will be provided by Driver’s and Moonee Valley Coaches.

ITINERARY
Our major highlight will be visiting The Depot museum, run by the Purtill family, in Deniliquin. Details of this Museum can be found here: The Depot – Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection
On the way to and from Deniliquin, we will visit a number of operators in the Echuca/Moama area, with details still being finalised and to be announced in the new year.

On the Saturday, we will have a BBQ lunch in Echuca and then travel to Deniliquin to visit The Depot museum in the afternoon.

After check-in at the hotels, attendees will make their dinner arrangements in the town in the evening.

We will have breakfast on the Sunday morning at the Cruizin* Diner, which is associated with The Depot museum. This will be at your cost. An indicative menu can be found here.

After breakfast, we will visit Dyson’s operation in Deniliquin.

On the journey home, we will call in at MOVE, the Shepparton Motor Museum, to see the latest display and have a BBQ lunch.

A final tour update is to come but we can confirm pickup details as follows:
DRIVER COACH
* Driver Bus Lines Depot (Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley) – arrive by 7am for 7:10am departure (park in staff carpark out the front)
* Caulfield station (624 Kew stop in Sir John Monash Dr) – 7:30am
* Southern Cross (216 stop on Spencer St near Lonsdale St/Coles) – 8am
MOONEE VALLEY COACH
* Moonee Valley Coaches depot (6 Tullamarine Park Dr) – arrive by 8am (secure parking in vistors’ carpark overnight)
We plan to return to Southern Cross & Moonee Valley Coaches around 6pm on Sunday evening

ACCOMMODATION & DEPOSITS
We have tentatively booked a number of motels in Deniliquin with a range of prices to suit a range of budgets.

The links to their websites, along with costs, are provided for your consideration:

(1) Country Club Deniliquin
Single $125 or Twin-share $155 ($77.50pp)
(www.countryclubdeni.com.au)
(2) Centrepoint Motel
Single $140
(www.centrepointmotel.net.au)
(3) Riviana Motel
Single $110 (http://riviana-motel.newsouthwaleshotels.net/en/)

Attendees are advised to check their emails regarding tour deposits – $50 BCSV members/$70 others. Deposits are due by Friday 10 March
This will confirm your seat on the tour coaches. You’ll then pay the motel for discounted accommodation directly upon arrival in Deniliquin (check your email for which room you have secured & cost)

TOUR COST
Tour cost will be $50 for members (and subject to available space, non-members $70), which is in addition to your accommodation cost above.
The tour cost will include the two BBQ lunches, but not dinner and breakfast in Deniliquin.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Limited rooms are still available at Riviana Motel ($110) – email secretary@bcsv.org.au if interested ASAP. Bookings close on Friday 10 March

Nuline Charter / Bayside Coaches - 25th Anniversary Tour
2023-04-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is planning to visit the three depots of Nuline Charter and Bayside Coaches in Moorabbin, Clayton and Spotswood on Sunday 23 April as part of an all-day tour, open to both BCSV members and guests.

The day will include rides on a variety of vehicles in the predominantly Volvo fleet. The availability of the low floor rail fleet for rides and photos will be subject to Metro Trains “Big Build” occupations occurring on the day of our visit.

This tour will mark the 25 year anniversary of Nuline Charter under the sterling leadership of Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki, growing the business to over 120 vehicles today.

On 9 February 1998 Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki of Bayside Coaches purchased 21 vehicles from Craig Coop of Nuline Bus Services and renamed the operation as Nuline Charter.

A highlight of the day will be sampling #111, a 1997 Scania K93 Austral Pacific ‘XL” (see event cover photo by Jason Lipszyc) recently repainted back to original colours. This is the only original vehicle purchased by Craig Coop (Nuline Bus Service) still with the Nuline Charter fleet and remains in ad-hoc use. This bus was renumbered from #100 after being semi-withdrawn during the many COVID-19 lockdowns, before being called back into action as charter demand returned. #100 was also its original number at Nuline Bus Service.
========
COST

The tour cost will be $10 for members (u/18 half fare) and $20 for non-members (u/18 half fare). This will include a BBQ lunch and a special commemorative CD.
========

NEW MEMBERS
Annual adult membership is currently just $50 & a concession rate of $40 for pensioners and students under 25.

We are offering a special “Welcome Bonus” membership rate for the 2023/2024 financial year to anyone joining us between now and June 30 2023.
This will include the discounted members’ fare on the Nuline 25th anniversary tour on Sunday 23 April plus a copy of the May 2023 Australian Bus Panorama magazine…a saving of up to $19!
Payment can be made online in advance or alternatively cash payments on the day.

========

PICK-UP INFO

Pick-up locations are as follows:
* 8:00am – Nuline Clayton depot at 36-44 Whiteside Road (please park all cars in drivers’ carpark, entering off Whiteside Rd, please do not walk around depot)
* 8:05am – Clayton Station (rail replacement bus stop on Carnish Rd)
* 8:30am – Caulfield Station (North Side Route 900 bus stop on Sir John Monash Dr)
* 9:00am – Southern Cross Station (Route 216 bus stop outside Coles, near Lonsdale St)

Alternatively, meet outside the Nuline Spotswood depot (176 Hall St) opposite Spotswood Station by 9:20am. (Please wait outside for our arrival). Note the transfer coach does not return in the afternoon, see below.

Afternoon drop-offs:
* 4pm tour conclusion at Nuline Clayton depot
* 4:05pm – Clayton Station
* 4:30pm – Caulfield Station

Those returning back to Southern Cross or Spotswood will need to catch a train from Caulfield (every 10 mins). 24 mins to Southern Cross & 38 mins to Spotswood.

========

RSVP

Please advise your attendance on the day by email to secretary@bcsv.org.au to aid in catering & demand for a second transfer vehicle. Any special dietary requirements should also be advised.

========

HI-VIS VESTS

As usual, hi-vis vests / shirts will be required to be worn within depots. Pick one up for about $10 from Kmart, Bunnings, Lowes, discount shops etc.

========
AN ABRIDGED HISTORY OF NULINE

The Nuline brand has been synonymous with Melbourne’s south-east since 1949 when a business syndicate, headed by Charlie Spence, acquired two routes in the Caulfield area from Mr Lee, who had purchased the routes from Eastern Suburbs Omnibus Service (ESOS) 6 months earlier.

The business has gone through multiple owners in the decades since including Joe Bellofiori & Ray Higginson (Moonee Valley Bus Lines) in March 1972 and Craig Coop in January 1987.

Under Craig Coop Nuline acquired 7 buses and the Centre Rd depot from the Bentleigh Charter 14 August 1988, previously operated by the Suhr family. Bentleigh Bus Lines’ route services had previously been sold to Ventura effective 27 April 1987.

Nuline continued to run local routes focused on Moorabbin & Brighton until 30 September 1991 when they transferred these across to Grenda’s/Moorabbin Transit. In exchange they took over the former Camden 627 Elsternwick – Chadstone – East Brighton route from Moorabbin Transit. Craig Coop soon sold the route to Driver Bus Lines on 1 May 1992.

The most recent ownership chapter began on 9 February 1998 when Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki of Bayside Coaches purchased 21 vehicles from Craig Coop of Nuline Bus Services and renamed the operation as Nuline Charter. The focus in the years since has been school and general charter along with a rapidly expanding fleet of rail replacement buses.

Nuline Bus Services remained as a trading name for Craig Coop (mostly for school charter work) until the majority of his vehicles were sold to Diamond Coaches in Melbourne’s north-east in September 2018.

Andrew and Geoff had previously acquired two vehicles from Craig Coop on September 23 1995 to form Czarvic Pty Ltd, trading as Bayside Coaches. Bayside Coaches continues as a premium brand alongside Nuline Charter.

In mid 2021 Nuline absorbed Victorian Touring Coaches from Bill Armstrong via liquidators; another long-standing operation also dating back from 1949 which sadly fell victim to the rolling COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria.

Most recently effective 1 February 2023 they have purchased the Jay Tee Coaches business from John Trenfield, but not the vehicles.

BCSV: Farewell Ventura Northcoasts Tour
2023-09-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
After 25 years, the Northcoast low floor era at Ventura Bus Lines in Melbourne’s east is coming to an end.

Peaking at 33 units (31 Scania & 2 Mercedes) by the end of 2003, just 8 of these buses remain in active service, most now downgraded to school and rail replacement work. Fleet renewal continues at a steady rate, with their days at Ventura sadly appearing numbered.

Ventura was second only to Metro Tasmania in favouring these buses of a large scale (Metro purchasing 42 Scania L94UB Northcoasts) and we feel it’s fitting for them to have a warm send-off from Melbourne.

Ventura management have kindly given the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria approval for a farewell tour, to be held on Sunday 10 September using a variety of the remaining buses.

Our day will focus on the traditional routes these buses were used on from their days at Oakleigh, Knoxfield and Croydon (Mt Dandy Bus) depots.

PICK UP LOCATIONS:
* BUS 1 – Dandenong Station (V/Line bay) – 9am
* BUS 2 – Ringwood Station (Maroondah Hwy bus bays) 8:50am
* BUSES 1 & 2 – Oakleigh Station (south side/Johnson St) – 9:30am (meets 9:02am Pakenham train from Flinders St)

Please note buses replace trains Blackburn to Belgrave/Lilydale next weekend

Attendees can switch vehicles throughout the day.

Buses will return to Oakleigh about 4:30pm and Dandenong & Ringwood about 5pm

LUNCH
A 45 min lunch stop at Boronia will provided (own expense)

FARES (cash-only)
Free for BCSV members
$15 for non-members ($10 for under 18s)

NEW MEMBERS
New members can join on the day for 2023/2024 for a members’ fare ($0) PLUS receive back-copies of both the July & September editions of our Australia Bus Panorama magazine

Annual BCSV membership is $50 (adults) and $40 (concession) – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/

RSVP
Please RSVP by sending an email to secretary@bcsv.org.au or calling Paul Kennelly (BCSV secretary) on (03) 9509 1593
See less

BCSV: Benalla & Wangaratta tour
2023-10-07 08:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
On Saturday 7th October the Bus & Coach Society will head to North-East Victoria to visit both Benalla Bus Lines and Wangaratta Coachlines for depot visits and to sample the variety in both fleets.

This is a day tour with transfer coaches to be provided by Montrose Bus & Coach and Mee’s Bus Lines for which we are grateful.

Cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members (U/18 half price). Lunch is included.

The tour will start at Southern Cross Station at 8am. Other pick-up times and locations will be advised closer to the tour.

BCSV February Tour: Martyrs & McKenzies
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV’s first event for 2024 will be a depot tour of both Martyrs and McKenzies on Saturday 24th of February 2024. Rides will also feature at both depots.
PICK-UP UPDATE
Following changes to the Level Crossing Removal line closures, the tour will now have two pickup points, one at Caulfield Station at 9am (624 Kew stop on Sir John Monash Dr – north side of station) and the other at Lilydale station at 10am (rail replacement bay on the south-west side of the station).
A Belgrave train leaves Flinders Street at 8.46am and arrives at Ringwood at 9.38am for a connecting shuttle to Lilydale at 9.40am with arrival at Lilydale at 9.57am. We will await this train at Lilydale.

From Lilydale we will travel to Martyrs in Warburton with an arrival at about 11am for photos and some rides.
At about 12:30pm we head over to Healesville arriving at McKenzie’s at about 1pm where attendees will have a BBQ lunch followed by opportunities for photography and some rides.
We anticipate a return to Blackburn at about 4.30pm.
Other pickup points may be added closer to the tour depending upon demand and availability or changes to the rail replacement program.
Sincere thanks to the Dineen Group for offering to host us once again.
COST
Tour costs will be $10 for members and $20 for non-members, with under 18s half price. This includes your BBQ lunch.
FOUR & A BIT MEMBERSHIPS

New members can join this month until 30 June for $20 ($15 students/pensioners) and travel on the discounted members’ fare – a saving of $10!
PDF form – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV-Membership-form-special-offer-2023-24-1.pdf
Word form – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV-Membership-form-special-offer-2023-24.docx
RSVP
To aid catering, those wishing to attend are requested to notify the BCSV Secretary, Paul Kennelly, at secretary@bcsv.org.au

RSVPs to the Facebook event page do not confirm attendance but can be made to receive tour update notifications.
SAFETY
A reminder that hi-vis vests/shirts are required to be worn when visiting depots on BCSV tours.
A page outfling BCSV tour etiquette can be found here – https://bcsv.org.au/events-overview/tour-etiquette

BCSV March Overnight Tour: Stawell & Hamilton
2024-03-23 08:00 - 2024-03-24 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is currently seeking expressions of interest for an overnight tour on 23rd/24th March 2024 to Stawell and Hamilton in Western Victoria.
We will visit Sandlant’s museum in Landsborough and their depot in Stawell on Saturday 23rd March.
On Sunday 24th March, we will visit the Ansett Museum and Campe’s Motor Museum, both based in Hamilton.
Our overnight accommodation will be in Hamilton at the Comfort Inn Botanical Motel
Motel website – https://www.choicehotels.com/en-au/victoria/hamilton/comfort-inn-hotels/au389
The tour will start with a pickup at Southern Cross Station on Saturday 23rd March at 8am and return about 6pm on Sunday 24th March. Additional suburban pick-ups will be announced closer to the date.
COST & MEALS
Coach travel, entry to museums and lunch on both days are included in the cost (see below).
Breakfast at the motel will be at your own expense (there are other breakfast outlets near the motel if you wish). Dinner in Hamilton on the Saturday night will also be at your own expense.
The tour costs for BCSV members are as follows:

With single room accommodation $180pp
With shared accommodation (double or queen bed) $115pp
With shared accommodation (separate beds) $125pp

Non-members will be welcome, subject to spare seats, for an extra $20.

Your expression of interest will not be a commitment at this stage but will help with motel bookings
In January 2024, you will be asked to confirm your booking with a $30 deposit.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
To express your interest & reserve your spot, send us an email to secretary@bscv.org.au
Please include an early indication of your accommodation preferences and your roommate where appropriate.
Facebook RSVPs are not considered an expression of interest but are welcome for further updates

BCSV April Tour: Farewell Ryan's Route Services
2025-04-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Ryan Bros Bus Service – Tullamarine Depot, 11 Beverage Dr, Tullamarine, VIC, 3043, Australia
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
We are pleased to announce extra pick-up points for our BCSV April Tour: Farewell Ryan’s Route Services on Sunday 6 April:
BUS 1Driver Coach
9.00am Depart Driver Mt Waverley Depot – 45 Ricketts Rd (drop off 5.30pm). Street parking available.
9.15am Oakleigh Station – southern side Johnson Street – Bus Stop 733/625 (drop off 5.15pm)
9.30am Caulfield Station – northern side Sir John Monash Drive – Bus Stop 624 (drop off 5.00pm)
9.35am Malvern Station – Dandenong Road Bus replacement stop (drop off 4.55pm)
10.00am Southern Cross Station – Spencer Street outside Coles – Bus Stop 216 (drop off 4.30pm)
We have confirmed that our City pick-up will remain accessible during Run for the Kids on Sunday but be aware of tram changes on many routes.
There’s also bus replacement on the Glen Waverley, Werribee, Williamstown, Sunbury & Geelong Lines.
BUS 2Peninsula BL 1963 Comair from Ventura/Grenda heritage fleet
9.15am Ringwood Station – Bus Stop 684 (drop off 5.20pm)
9.30am Box Hill Station – Bus Stop 612 (drop off 5.00pm)
The tour should conclude at the now later time of 4.00pm with a drop off at SC at around 4.30pm. Other approximate drop off times are indicated above.
For those making their own way to the Ryan’s Depot (11 Beverage Drive Tullamarine), there is parking in the street but please wait outside the gates until the shuttle buses arrive.
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 ($50 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.

BCSV February Overnight Tour: Gippsland
2026-02-07 08:00 - 2026-02-08 17:00
Expressions of Interest for our February 2026 overnight tour to Gippsland remain open. The tour is scheduled for Saturday 7 February & Sunday 8 February.
We plan to visit Gillicks and Dysons in Bairnsdale on Saturday followed by Dysons in Sale and a train ride on the Walhalla railway on the Sunday.
A group booking for motel accommodation will be made for Bairnsdale on the Saturday night. Twin share rooms and queen beds will be available.
Late EOIs are still being accepted until Sunday 5 October – make sure to email BCSV Deputy President Steve Bayer – steve.bayer@bcsv.org.au with name and numbers attending. EOIs will assist us in detailed planning and costs.
