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WA operator gets Rottnest gig

Adams Group secures 10 year deal to deliver bus and train services on Rottnest Island in WA

Western Australian bus operator Adams Group has scooped a major contract to provide services on Rottnest Island.

Adams Group managing director Adam Barnard explains the deal to operate on the island, which lies 18 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle, has been more than four years in the making.

“It’s an exciting time for Rottnest Island and the tourism industry,” he says.

“With our experience and investment we will ensure that in future years the service significantly increases its capacity and introduces a new environmentally friendly fleet.

“Adams will add four additional wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned buses to cater for the peak summer period.

“This will be the first year all Island Explorer hop on-hop off vehicles will be air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible” 

New buses have now arrived from the mainland and the organisation is preparing to start operations on November 1.

Rottnest Island is a popular day-trip and holiday destination, with daily ferry services from Fremantle and Perth bringing about half a million visitors a year.

Six full time and 17 casual current staff will be offered the opportunity to work on the island.

Rottnest Island Authority chief executive Paolo Amaranti is confident having better and more accessible transport services will make a big difference.

“The Rottnest Island Authority is delighted that a company with the expertise and reputation of Adams will deliver the bus service on Rottnest Island, bringing with them extensive experience in a specialised segment of the tourism industry,” he says.

“Adams will provide visitors to the Island with an innovative and enhanced level of service which includes additional air-conditioned buses during the upcoming peak season.”

Services the operator will become responsible for include the islands train tour service, The Island Explorer route bus service, the Geordie Bay to Kingston shuttle service and will also run private bus charters for schools and events. 

The organisation aims to increase the capacity of existing services and transition to a newer fleet of ecofriendly vehicles for Rottnest Island over the next three years.

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