After many years on the road working alongside operators Gary and Sharon Scarlett of Scarlett Buses, Sapphire Coast Buslines has successfully signed the dotted line to acquire Scarlett bus services and bring them into the Sapphire Coast Buslines family.
“It is truly exciting to witness the synergy between two family-owned businesses as one embraces the other, igniting growth and ensuring our continued commitment to the region,” Managing Director Jamie Klemm says.
Sapphire Coast Buslines has been providing services to the Bega Valley Region for more than 20 years.
With a strong focus on growing services and opportunities for its strong team of more than 70 employees, this acquisition allows Sapphire Coast Buslines to focus on its team and ensure that it can continue to focus on job creation and preservation.
The operator says it’s pleased to announce that many of the dedicated and talented staff from Scarlett’s will continue with them, bringing their valuable knowledge, care and understanding for their passengers with them.
“Being a bus driver is a role of great significance, extending far beyond the wheel. While their driving skills are crucial for ensuring the safety of students, their role also encompasses building meaningful relationships with students and demonstrating genuine care for their well-being,” Klemm says.
“Combining our current Bega fleet with that of Scarlett’s to be based out of Bega will allow us to build on the strength of existing resources and we look forward to future growth in Charter, Cruise and Service provision in the regional area that we live and work in.
“With our new abilities to train and upskill drivers from a C Class Licence to an MR Licence and a focus on constant improvement in skills, we also hope that this continued growth provides us an opportunity to continue recruitment and training to people in the region looking for a new or changed career path.”
In summary, Sapphire Coast Buslines says the acquisition of Scarlett’s will have a positive impact on jobs and families by preserving and creating employment opportunities, investing in the community, improving services and contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of the Bega Valley Shire.
“We wish Sharon and Gary all the best in their future endeavours, and as the owners of Sapphire Coast Buslines, extend thanks and gratitude to them for all they have contributed to the students they have transported and for their contribution to the community in this business,” Klemm says.