A popular member of Australia’s bus and coach industry is preparing to exit the sector, with Ken Jasper AM announcing he will exit the industry mid-year.
At age 87, he has enjoyed many years in the sector as well as a thriving political career.
Originally from Wales, there have been four generations of Jaspers in Rutherglen operating a range of enterprises from bus transport to petrol stations and cafes.
An 1892 photo of his great grandparents and staff showcase when the family first started business that resulted in Jasper Bros Buses in Rutherglen as coachbuilders, blacksmiths and undertakers.
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Based in Victoria’s north-east, Jasper Bros has run school buses for nearly 75 years, with Ken now selling the company to Wangaratta Coachlines as he exits the industry.
The bus operation started in 1952 when Ken’s father and uncle bought the first school bus business in Rutherglen in 1952. Since then, Ken has operated three school bus contracts and done charter work for the schools the operator services.
Throughout this time Ken remembers the buses he has run, starting with white branded buses in 1948 through to Bedfords, Isuzus, Mercedes-Benzs and now two new Scanias.
Alongside this, Ken’s father and uncle also became GM Holden dealers in 1929, running the local dealership before selling it in 2012.
The Jasper family’s rich automotive history can still be seen today, as behind the café sits a free motorcycle museum with a couple of dozen bikes and other machinery, memorabilia and photographs.
During this time, Ken was also the Nationals member for Murray Valley in Victorian Parliament from 1976 to 2010.
He was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) at the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2012 for his services as a member of Parliament for 34 years and to the community in general.
A testament to Ken’s management is one of his drivers, known as Bussy, who has driven for the company for about 30 years and is very popular in the Rutherglen school community. Ken says the industry members like the Bus Association of Victoria and Australasian Bus & Coach Magazine have been an “invaluable help and support” throughout the years.
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