ABC #403

OPERATOR
TINONEE BUS COMPANY
Rukenvale, The Risk, Wiangaree and
Kyogle for up to seven schools.”
CHANGE OF PACE
Maidens and Hauser wanted a
more organised and set routine at
work when they decided to move
on from Moree and, golly, is their
day organised now!
“We reach the depot at 6.30am,”
Maidens explained.
“The first bus departs at
6.50am, with the remaining
departing between then and
8.05am. All buses are back
at 9am for morning tea and
we take this chance to brief
our drivers and have our safety
toolbox meetings.
“The day is consumed with
office work and local bus charter
management. The afternoon school
runs start to depart at 2.30pm and
our last bus returns to the depot at
5.25pm.”
Maidens and Hauser are two
very hands-on managers. They
do not employ any admin staff,
preferring to manage those
tasks between them as well.
It is a change of place and
pace for them, but they are
enjoying their new life, working
in an industry that they are truly
passionate about.
PAST AND AHEAD
Tinonee didn’t escape the
repercussions of Covid-19 and,
like so many other bus and
coach businesses, its charter
work was severely affected
during the start of the pandemic.
However, the business escaped
the worst thanks to some of its
contracts that continued through
the restrictions.
“Covid-19 hurt a lot of
businesses. We were fortunate
with our school contracts and
continued to operate, although
during lockdown some of our
buses remained empty,” said
Maidens.
“We have had to implement a
lot of changes to keep everyone
safe and all our buses clean and
sanitised. The good news for us is
Every business has its
challenges, but we work
through them with our
wonderful staff.
that passenger numbers are slowly
increasing and the charter jobs
that had been cancelled earlier are
starting to increase again.”
Maidens added that the small
team at Tinonee is proud of the
work they are doing within the
community and take immense joy
in their work.
“Every business has its challenges,
but we work through them with
our wonderful staff. We have a
great team, which makes it that bit
easier. It is rewarding to offer these
services to the community who rely
on them,” he said.
“Our future plans are to
continue to offer professional and
reliable services and expand our
business.”
Below:
Maidens and
Hauser say they
are enjoying their
new life as bus
operators, even if
the working day
starts at 6.30am!
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ABC March 2021 busnews.com.au