Kangaroo Bus Lines eyes further growth after Brisbane Bus Lines deal

Almost three months after acquiring Brisbane Bus Lines, Kangaroo Bus Lines is looking to its next stage of expansion after significantly increasing its workforce, fleet and reach across South East Queensland.

The June 29 acquisition has taken the City of Moreton Bay-based family business to 250 buses and coaches across five depots, supported by 388 employees.

Kangaroo Bus Lines CEO Darren Webster said the deal represented a major step in the company’s longer-term growth.

“The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the family-owned and operated business, expanding its fleet, workforce, customer base and geographic reach across South East Queensland,” Darren said.

The acquisition included Brisbane Bus Lines’ vehicles, contracts and customers, with all existing employees joining Kangaroo Bus Lines. The Dayboro depot was also part of the transaction and is earmarked for further investment and development.

The opportunity arose through discussions with one of Kangaroo Bus Lines’ industry suppliers, providing the company with a pathway to expand its operations and reach a larger customer base.

While the purchase price remains commercially confidential, the transaction brought together two long-established Queensland family transport businesses.

Brisbane Bus Lines was founded in 1965 and operated from Dayboro and Enoggera, delivering school transport, charter, rail replacement and government contract services. Kangaroo Bus Lines was established in 1978.

The enlarged business now provides public transport, school bus services, charter services and tourism, as well as interstate tours and outback camping safari experiences.

“Our growth allows us to take what we do well and provide that same level of service to an even greater customer base, while creating more opportunities for our people,” Darren said.

Those opportunities are expected to include additional full-time jobs as Kangaroo Bus Lines continues to grow its tour and charter operations.

The company has roles extending beyond bus driving, creating employment opportunities across its broader operations and potential long-term careers in the transport and tourism industries. Continued investment in the Dayboro depot will also support its longer-term plans for the region.

Further expansion remains on the agenda.

“While the Brisbane Bus Lines acquisition represents a significant step forward for Kangaroo Bus Lines, the company’s growth journey is far from over,” Darren said.

Kangaroo Bus Lines is exploring opportunities to expand its services as South East Queensland prepares for increased transport demand in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“With the Games expected to create significant transport requirements across the Moreton Bay region and wider South East Queensland, Kangaroo Bus Lines is focused on building the people, fleet and infrastructure needed to meet the future needs of the region,” Darren said.

For the City of Moreton Bay, the acquisition gives a long-established local family business greater scale to create jobs, invest in infrastructure and pursue further growth across the South East Queensland transport market.