As Thompson Bus Services celebrates 45 years of service, what started as a dream of Geoff and Jean Thompson in the late 1970s has become a passion that the family continues to embrace and a business that continues to serve the community. That passion remains today as the family elevates Thompsons to new heights.
Like many in the Australian bus industry at the time, Geoff Thompson was a driver with aspirations. After driving in Lismore, New South Wales, and undertaking outback tours in rural NSW and Central Australia, he and his wife Jean embarked on their relocation journey to Queensland to realise their vision. They took the bold step in the final year of the 1970s and acquired their own bus company, Lawnton Bus Services, on September 1, 1979. Their vision and dream had become a reality.
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Their eldest son, Shane Thompson, who is now the general manager, was only four months old when the purchase was made. He shares the journey from humble operations to the business as it is today.
Initially, the operation consisted of five buses and three school routes, with Geoff and Jean driving. After acquiring Lawnton Bus Service and rebranding it as Thompson Bus Services, they began gradually expanding their fleet. They retired the existing Bedfords and started replacing them with Geoff’s vehicles of choice in the Leyland Albion, Atlantean double-deckers and Leopards.
Thompsons began offering urban routes in 1981, recruiting drivers from the Strathpine and the Pine Rivers shire north of Brisbane. As the local population grew, it was evident that to accommodate the community, the fleet and business needed to grow. The acquisition of Leonard (Lenny) and Maree school run in April 1988 saw the expansion take shape into the Albany Creek area. During this period, the operator also acquired the Cashmere Warner school routes from William (Billy) and Betty Williamson.
1990 was a significant year for Thompsons, with the acquisition of Pine Rivers Bus Services on January 15, 1990, which doubled the fleet. In addition, Lenny surrendered his Albany Creek High School route in June 1990 back to Queensland Transport, who then approached Thompsons to take the surrendered contract, further solidifying its presence and services.
A series of events from 1988 to 1990 extended the company’s reach into rural areas that have since evolved significantly. These events solidified Thompsons’ presence in the local community and reflected its contracted service area, which it continues to serve as part of its core service delivery today.
Geoff and Jean had five children: Shane, Anita, Nellie, Rodney and Allana. Shane recalls his childhood, working alongside his family – cleaning buses, helping in the workshop and counting the day’s earnings after dinner. His formal rise within the company began after leaving school, where Geoff insisted he spend a year in the office to understand every aspect of the business. Originally aspiring to be a mechanic, Shane completed his apprenticeship and began driving for Thompson Bus Services in 1998 before transitioning to operations and management roles in 2003.
Rodney, too, completed an apprenticeship in coach building, transitioned through to the workshop, and eventually became the operations manager. Allana also started in the business after school and continues to support the business in accounts and payroll. Anita and Nellie have contributed to the company over the years, proving that a family contribution embodies Thompsons as a business and all that Geoff and Jean hoped it would be – a business built on family values serving the community in which they raised and supported their family.
“I distinctly remember school holidays spent cleaning buses or working in the workshop, as our family home used to be onsite at the depot,” Shane says.
However, the family’s commitment extends beyond their immediate relations. Les, a current staff member, is the son of one of the original bus drivers and workshop mechanics in Harold Streek. Les joined Thompsons in 1988 as an apprentice mechanic, has worked his way through the business and continues to serve on the operations team.
The foresight to seize expansion opportunities between 1988 and 1990 played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. This strategic vision continued with the move to a more significant site in Joyner in 2002, marking a new chapter in the company’s development. In 2004, the award and implementation of the 3G TransLink contract brought a significant shift to the operational landscape, transforming both the business and its services. The progression of the business into a commercial and government contract space saw the need to have a commercial manager as an integral part of the team, so Rodd Keys joined the company in 2009 and has continued to contribute to further milestones and growth at Thompsons.
Tragically, Geoff passed away in 2005, leaving a profound impact not only on his family but also on the business and the industry as a whole. His absence created a significant void, as he was a vital force behind the company’s growth and success. Geoff’s leadership, vision and dedication were instrumental in shaping the values and direction of the business, making his loss felt deeply across all levels. The community mourned the loss of a remarkable man whose contributions had far-reaching effects, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
Shane took on the role of general manager, honouring his father’s legacy while guiding the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the business has flourished, expanding its reach and influence. Even in Geoff’s absence, Jean remains a cornerstone of the family and the company. As the matriarch, her unwavering strength and deep industry knowledge continue to propel the charter division forward, ensuring it remains a vital and trusted service within the community.
In a true reflection of the strength and unity of our family, each member rallied together to keep the business moving forward after Geoff’s passing. Jeffery, Geoff and Jean’s son-in-law, selflessly put his own studies on hold to ensure the buses kept running smoothly. Darren, another devoted son-in-law, played a crucial role, making a particularly meaningful impact in the workshop and operations teams. Sarah, a cherished daughter-in-law, became an invaluable support in the administration team. Together, they embodied the spirit of family, showing unwavering dedication to Geoff’s legacy and the future of the business.
By 2022, Thompsons operated 38 school services and eight urban routes. Having already been operating rail replacement on the Ipswich line, Thompsons was well placed to tender for the current rail replacement contract. This fuelled further growth and the expansion to an additional depot at Brendale. The acquisition of Coolum Coaches in 2023 represents a strategic opportunity to grow in the evolving industry.
“For us, our motivation is to continue Dad’s legacy, which continues to drive us to do what we do – it was his vision and what he grew,” Shane says.
The 45-year milestone is a testament to the Thompson family’s dedication. As Thompsons brings up 45 years in 2024, the company looks ahead to the milestone of reaching 50 years, while honouring the dedication of its loyal employees and drivers who have supported and helped shape its success over the years.
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