Picture a bus depot. This is Interline Bus Services – Leppington Depot. It holds a significant place in Sydney’s transport history.
Interline Bus Services boasts a rich history. It started with the Oliveri family’s purchase of Route 102 in 1961. Herbert Harrison sold them the Campbelltown Hospital to Macquarie Fields route. This marked the beginning of Interline’s journey.
In 1989, Interline merged with Oliveri’s Transport Service. They rebranded as Metro-link Bus Lines. But in 1992, the Oliveri families separated. The family of the late John Oliveri acquired Ingleburn Bus Services Pty Ltd. They then began trading as Interline Bus Services.
The Oliveri family expanded further in 2002. They purchased Southern Cross Transit. This Karana Downs company became Interline’s sister company.
Interline became part of Sydney Bus Region 2 in 2005. By 2014, Interline operated all services in the region. This included those previously run by Busabout.
However, Interline’s operations changed in 2023. Transit Systems took over Region 2 on October 8. Interline ceased trading after many years of service.
Interline’s fleet evolved over time. In the 1980s, Ingleburn Bus Service used Bedford YMT3s. They also had Leyland Super Vikings and Tigers. Some were even configured as coaches. The early 1990s saw the purchase of ex-ACTION Leyland Nationals. Transperth Leyland B21s and Urban Transit Authority Leyland Atlanteans joined the fleet. Later, ex-ACTION Mercedes-Benz O305s and Renault PR100.2s were added. New Volvos and Daewoos joined the fleet more recently. Following the Southern Cross Transit purchase, many Interline buses transferred there.
The bus livery also changed. Ingleburn Bus Service had a light green and red scheme. Metro-link used turquoise. Interline eventually adopted a white and blue scheme.
Interline embraced electric buses in 2021. They received ten BCI CitiRiders. These electric buses served two routes. Nine Yutong E12s arrived later that year.
Interline’s fleet consisted of 119 buses as of September 2023. Today, Interline Bus Services – Leppington Depot stands as a reminder. It reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to public transport in South West Sydney. The Oliveri family’s dedication shaped its history. Interline Connect offered an on-demand service. This allowed customers to book a bus via an app. The bus would transport them to Edmondson Park Railway Station.
Joe Oliveri led Interline with passion. The company even launched its first electric bus at Leppington Station in February 2021. The Oliveri family celebrated 70 years in the bus industry in 2024. This milestone recognized their significant impact. Interline Bus Services will be remembered for its contribution to Sydney’s transport network.