TAMBRAY Coaches is set to return to the road next month as South Australian border restrictions lift.
Owner Tony Prowse said he was excited about being able to resume operating.
“I’m really eager to get going again,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to that first trip out on July 20.”
Mr Prowse started Tambray Coaches in 2017 after the Greyhound Australia direct bus service between Mildura and Adelaide ceased operating.
Since then his service has increased in popularity and he recently bought a 34-seat coach.
“I had that vehicle only a week before the border closed,” he said.
Mr Prowse said the border closure was extremely disappointing but he did not panic.
“If you panic and become frustrated, it’s going to make life hard,” he said.
Instead, Mr Prowse focused on preparing the new coach for when it could be used.
It now has new signs and has received some extra maintenance.
Mr Prowse said he was also focused on ensuring the coach was well cleaned so passengers could be assured of a safe trip.
The coach will be disinfected between trips and sanitiser will be available to all customers.
Passengers will also be required to fill out a declaration that they have no COVID-19 symptoms before travelling.
To comply with State and Federal Government regulations surrounding social distancing, passenger numbers will be restricted to 16.
This means passengers will have a double seat to themselves, unless travelling with someone they live with or an immediate family member.
“We just ask people that they don’t travel if they’re feeling unwell,” Mr Prowse said.
He hopes the Sunraysia community will continue to support the service.
“We just need people to come back knowing they can travel safely as their safety is a high priority to me,” he said.
From July 20, services will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Bookings are now open at www.tambraycoaches.com.au or by calling the Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre on 1800 039 043.
With any questions, email enquiries@tambraycoaches.com.au.
