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KINETIC ACQUIRES ICONIC BUS OPERATOR: TASMANIAN REDLINE

BREAKING: Skybus’ parent company Kinetic, with a focus on the Apple Isle, has acquired long-standing family run bus operator Tasmanian Redline, it was announced today.

Tasmanian Redline Coaches (‘Tasmanian Redline’), the largest government-contracted private bus operator in Tasmania, will join Kinetic’s growing bus mass transit network as it boosts its commitment to investing in the island state, the company states.

The transaction is subject to conditions precedent including regulatory approval and is expected to complete in April/May, 2021.

Tasmanian Redline is one of the state’s largest busing operators providing government-contracted route and school services across Burnie, Devonport, Hobart, Launceston and Smithton, as well as charter services for major tour operators, Kinetic confirms.

The company is one of the state’s most established bus brands, having proudly operated for more than 90 years. 

Last year Tasmanian Redline launched a new premium coach transfer service, the Redline Express, connecting travellers from Hobart and Launceston directly with the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, Kinetic states.

The acquisition expands Kinetic’s Tasmanian footprint, after launching its world-class airport transit business Skybus in 2018 offering people fast, frequent and affordable express services between Hobart Airport and the city centre, it adds.

Collectively, Kinetic’s mass transit platform currently encompasses more than 52 government-contracted urban, regional and school bus services and private charter services in key cities and regional centres across Australia and New Zealand, it confirms.

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JOINT OPPORTUNITIES

Tasmanian Redline managing director Michael Larissey says he was excited to have the support of a fast-moving and innovative mass transit team in delivering on the transport needs of Tasmania.

“We are a proud Tasmanian business with a deep-rooted history working with the government and other important stakeholders to connect people with where they need to go, and Kinetic has a strong alignment with our vision and we are really excited by the joint opportunities ahead,” Larissey said.

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EXCITED WELCOME

Kinetic head of Australia Matthew Carney says Kinetic was excited to welcome Tasmanian Redline to its growing mass transit platform.

“Tasmanian Redline has unrivalled experience as one of the state’s pre-eminent transport operators and I congratulate the Larissey family and their team for their long-time commitment to supporting the state government and serving the community,” Carney said.

“Buses are an important component of Tasmania’s public transport network and tourism industry and, as the major economic precincts of Launceston and Hobart continue to grow, people will have an increasing need for regular and reliable bus services that get them to where they want to go,” he said.

“Through our Skybus operation we have enjoyed strong relationships with Hobart Airport and the Tasmanian Government, and we’re excited to continue supporting our stakeholders to enhance existing bus networks while identifying opportunities to introduce innovative and sustainable transport solutions for Tasmanians and visitors alike,” he added.

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ABOUT KINETIC

Kinetic operates long-term contracted bus services for key authorities including the Translink (Queensland), Transport for New South Wales, Auckland Transport and Environment Canterbury (Christchurch). 

As the largest non-government bus operator in the region, Kinetic is a network of more than 4000 people and 3000 buses and delivers more than 60 million passenger trips annually. 

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Photography: courtesy Kinetic/Redline Coaches

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