It’s common for a company to reach its centenary, but less so to mark the 100th birthday of its founder, as was the case in Australia recently
There can’t be many members of the industry who live to see 100 years, but founder of Australian operator Busways’ Richard (Dick) Rowe, affectionately known as Pop, has achieved just that and recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his family.
Dick started the New South Wales business 82 years ago in 1942 as an enterprising 18-year-old. With just one car operating a passenger service between Rooty Hill Station and Plumpton, coupled with his hard-working service ethic, the company grew. Under first Dick’s guidance, then the stewardship of his sons Stephen and Richard, and today his grandson Byron, Busways has grown to become the largest wholly Australian-owned bus operator.
“My aim – and that of Busways – was always to offer safety, quality, consistency and efficiency,” Dick explained. “At 100, I could not have imagined the changes I would see with new, safer, stronger buses and the use of technology. What makes me most proud is that we are continually evolving to offer the highest levels of service in transport to the community. We’ve also tried to invest locally and repay something to the community. I know we’ll continue to do that and give back.
“I have greatly valued my involvement in the bus industry, and wish to thank everyone for their support, assistance and friendship. Especially the people at Busways – they have shaped my life. Many have influenced me and have helped make Busways what it is today.”
How it all began
With a keen eye for opportunity, 18 year old Dick observed a need for public transport in his local area and purchased a five-seat 1931 Chrysler 70 for £120, the equivalent of almost AU$9,500 or £4,900 in today’s money. With the help of his engineer dad Cyril, Dick equipped the new vehicle with a wartime-mandated gas producer, a washing machine-sized device that converted charcoal – ‘black gold’ – to fuel. With this golden opportunity he started his omnibus-style transport service between Rooty Hill Station and Plumpton. That was the beginning of what would first become Rowes Bus Service, and later Busways.
“By just saving money, and working hard, I had about four different cars by 1946,” Dick recalled. “I had a seven-passenger 1930 LaSalle. They were a cheap Cadillac. A seven passenger 1929 Studebaker. And later on, a seven-passenger 1937 Dodge.
“We were meeting the needs of local communities in the area. They were growing and we grew with them.”
A couple of years later, he bought a 1935 REO with a timber frame and canvas roof that could carry 21 passengers. This was his first bus.
Growth and contribution
In the 1950s and ‘60s Dick continued to grow his bus service through joint ventures, acquisitions, and delivering quality services that the public used. He also contributed significantly to the evolution of the fledgling Australian private bus industry.
He has been a member of the Bus & Coach Association (NSW), now BusNSW, since 1947 and served for many years on the executive committee. In 1984, Dick was honoured with a Certificate of Life Membership by then Bus & Coach Association (NSW) president Jim Bosnak in front of 100 industry colleagues. He was recognised for his development of transport interests in Blacktown, St Marys, Parramatta, Villawood and Campbelltown areas and for the high quality of transport services he provided to the local community. Industry speakers at the event recounted his many kindnesses and acts of assistance to other operators.
In 1966, Sydney’s then largest housing estate was developed at Mount Druitt. In a revolutionary move for the time, Dick placed bus stops throughout the new neighbourhoods before the houses were even complete, ensuring transport was at the centre of population growth.
The 1980s marked the beginning of a period of ingenuity, expansion and enduring partnerships with local and state governments. Sydney’s first contraflow bus lane was introduced in Blacktown after Rowes Bus Service successfully lobbied for infrastructure changes to Main Street, and in 1982, Rowes Bus Service became the second private operator in NSW to own an articulated bus.
Today Busways has a fleet of over 1,350 buses with 2,600 employees providing more than 53 million passenger journeys a year across New South Wales and South Australia.
Lasting legacy
Since Dick founded the company in 1942, his legacy and values of persistence, efficiency, and a continuing focus on improvement, have meant that Busways has always aimed to exceed expectations, especially when it comes to scheduling, safety, and fleet design and maintenance.
“I’m pleased that my family have taken up the mantle of providing high-quality services to the communities where we operate,” he said. “They are continuing to play a role in shaping the public transport industry, especially as we explore zero emissions transport and future technologies that enable on demand passenger services and driverless vehicles.
“I sincerely thank the people of Busways and the wider bus industry, past and present, as well as my family for their dedication.”
