South Australia’s Kanga Coachlines works with renowned operator Premier Stateliner
Adelaide based Kanga Coachlines recently announced it has been chosen as the operation to take over the Tour and Charter division of Premier Stateliner.
This acquisition is somewhat prestigious for the modest operation, with calls of congratulations coming in from around the country.
It also means an additional 10 to 15 buses to the fleet, making a total fleet size of over 50.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” explains Kanga chief executive officer Julian Roeger.
As part of the acquisition, Kanga has commissioned eight brand new high end coaches to be built over the next twelve months.
The coaches have been specially designed for the maximum comfort of passengers.
“This is a really big component of work for us,” says Roeger.
“We’re really excited.”
Some of the full time drivers will make the move from Premier to Kanga, which will make the transition easier for Roeger’s operation which will now take on local and extended guided tours for inbound operators.
“I’ll be forever grateful for the way Premier has treated me and the whole opportunity presented to me,” he says.
Roeger also pays tribute to many long serving Kanga staff, without whom the success of the business wouldn’t be possible.
He makes particular mention of Premier Stateliners’ business manager Peter Koch – who has helped make the transition as smooth as possible for all involved.
“Hands down – he’s one of the best people I have ever worked with,” he says.
“We’ve both opened up about what was best for both companies and worked hard to ensure everyone benefits.”
Roeger is still in awe of the support flooding in from the industry, and has taken the massive compliment that such a prestigious company wanted Kanga to take over part of the business.
“If Premier is interested then that means we must really know what we’re doing,” he says.
“The support from the entire bus industry has been fantastic.”
The current Kanga depot is located in Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, although more renovations are expected on the current facilities due to the expansion of the business.
Kanga has managed to secure land next door to the depot for the project.
The new premises will have four times the undercover space of the current facility, as well as a new drivers’ area including sleeping quarters.
The new contract came into effect as of July 1, 2016.
Read the full article in an upcoming edition of ABC magazine.