ABC #397

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
For the past four years, BBL has been contributing towards Griffith University’s Annual
Appeal to help fund scholarships for students who are excelling in their studies
despite facing financial or personal hardships. While in the past BBL has contributed
full scholarships, the Covid-19 downturn this year has resulted in a slightly lesser
contribution but with the same good intentions.
“We really wish to support students going through a tough time and because of our
family’s rural link we are particularly understanding of the challenges faced by kids from
rural backgrounds and we feel honoured to help them,” Lara-Jane said.
There is something to be said for
stable and consistent businesses.
We are a people business, not just
a bus company.
The new admin facility is
an important milestone for
Lara-Jane, who feels it is a
reflection of the true grit and
determination that many family
businesses possess.
“Improved team facilities have
provided a better atmosphere
for our team,” she added.
THE FLEET
With a staff of 135 locals,
BBL operates more than 85
vehicles with an average fleet
age of 10 years, consisting of
a mix of full-size tour coaches,
high-capacity articulated buses,
and midi and minibuses to cater
for groups of any size.
“Choices for the replacement
of school vehicles are influenced
by the subsidy available under
the Queensland government’s
School Transport Assistance
Scheme; however, vehicles also
need to be suitable for local
charter, so we generally don’t
purchase 3x2 seaters,” Ian said.
“Both versatility and reliability
are key. While we would prefer
to purchase Australian-made
bodies as they are built to last
30–40 years however, state
government regulations limit the
life of public vehicles to 25 years,
so we feel there is little point in
spending that extra money. As
a result, we buy Chinese-built
bodies and chassis. For the
coach fleet we aim for quality
passenger comfort and reliability
because these vehicles may end
up travelling anywhere in the
country.
“Our current school fleet is
predominantly BCI and Bonluck.
The coach fleet consists of
eight Scania coaches with
five Autobus coaches. We also
operate 10 Rosas and seven
Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.
All maintenance is carried
out in-house by our qualified
workshop team at the Enoggera
depot,” he stated.
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
The family has a long and proud
association with Queensland’s
bus industry. Jeff served on
the executive committee of
the Bus and Coach Association
Queensland (now Queensland
Bus Industry Council) from 1976
to 2006. Lara-Jane continues
Above:
Co-MD of
Brisbane Bus
Lines Lara-Jane
Mitchell.
Opposite, Top:
New facilities
have helped
bolster the team
atmosphere
during difficult
times.
Opposite, Below:
Established in
1947 by Bill
Mitchell, BBL
is now running
a fleet of 85
vehicles.
busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC
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