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Meet the international mechanics powering Australia’s bus future

Transit Systems is addressing the transport industry’s skills shortage by recruiting international mechanics to support fleet innovation and growth in Sydney

Australian integrated multi-modal transport operator Transit Systems is investing in the future of public transport by welcoming international talent to its Sydney operations.

The company has recently onboarded four highly skilled mechanics from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, each bringing technical expertise and global experience to strengthen local fleet operations.

The initiative, led by Transit Systems NSW managing director Rino Matarazzo, is part of a broader workforce strategy aimed at filling critical maintenance roles while fostering diversity, innovation and long-term workforce resilience.

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“At Transit Systems, we know the future of public transport relies on people with the skills, dedication and resilience to keep fleets moving safely and efficiently,” Matarazzo says.

“By opening our doors to international talent, we are creating opportunities for mechanics to build a life in Australia while enhancing our technical capabilities.”

The recruitment process took months of planning and coordination, with Transit Systems providing comprehensive support, including visa processing, housing, banking assistance, cultural orientation and welfare support to help the new recruits settle in.

The new team members, Muhammed Ali, Shoaib Muhammed, Achinthaka Singappulige and Buddhi Colonnen, have now joined Sydney’s front-line maintenance teams, helping maintain and advance Transit Systems’ growing fleet of electric and low-emission buses.

For Muhammed Ali, the move has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

“Australia is a good country for living, with caring people and a professional, helpful team at Transit Systems,” he says.

“Here we work with advanced technologies in buses, especially EV, which motivates me to grow my career.”

Similarly, Shoaib Muhammed says the opportunity has offered new experiences and balance.

“Australia is a beautiful place with kind, welcoming people,” he says.

“From day one, Transit Systems made us feel part of the team and gave us exposure to new systems and a more balanced lifestyle.”

Transit Systems executive general manager of people, safety and communications Tanya Smith says the initiative is setting an industry standard for sustainable workforce planning.

“This is about strengthening the backbone of public transport,” Smith says.

“Skilled migration, when done with care, brings enormous value: not just to the business, but to our people, passengers and communities. These recruits are proof that when you invest in people, everyone benefits.”

The company says international recruitment complements its broader investment in technical innovation, local training and electric vehicle capability, ensuring its services remain reliable, sustainable and globally competitive.

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