Jones Bros Bus Company

John A Gilbert Group

The John A Gilbert group was founded in March 1926 by John A Gilbert as Reo Motors, being renamed in 1951. Initially a motor dealer, in 1941 it diversified into operating bus services. Its first operation was in Parkes followed by Bathurst, Dubbo, Goulburn, Mittagong, Orange and Tamworth. It also operated services in Sydney with suburban companies in Bronte, Ramsgate and Matraville. Most of these were sold over the years, with only Mittagong, Orange and Tamworth remaining by 1980. From 1954 until 1982 it was listed on the Sydney Stock Exchange.

In November 1988, the Lismore based business of Kirklands Omnibus Services was purchased taking the fleet to 250 vehicles. In October 1992 Sydney operator Shorelink was purchased.

In March 1996, John A Gilbert sold its remaining bus operations to Frank D'Apuzzo and Peter Simpson. In March 2000 Picton Omnibus Service was purchased. In September 2001, Shorelink was sold to Transdev.

Buslines brand

From 2004 the Buslines brand was rolled out across all operations. In June 2006, Ritchies Bus Service, Griffith was purchased, followed by Perrett's Coach Service, Werris Creek in April 2008 and Selwood Coaches, Orange in December 2009, these latter two being integrated into the Tamworth, Orange and Dubbo operations.