7 minute read
In focus | transdev driver celebration
PASSENGER ‘THANK YOU’ HIGHLIGHTS BUS DRIVER VALUE
Two Transdev bus drivers collectively celebrating 105 years working in the Victorian public transport industry have helped underline the often unappreciated impact the transport-career path has with its many grateful customers.
The drivers – John Dussi (50 years of service) and David Reeve (55 years of service) – based at Transdev’s Sunshine West depot, both began their careers on Victoria’s tram network before becoming bus drivers, Transdev confirms.
Last year, they clocked up their respective milestones. However, Covid-19 restrictions delayed plans to celebrate the significant career achievements.
According to the company, Dussi says that no matter where he goes in Melbourne he is recognised by former passengers.
Transdev Melbourne managing director Ian Craig said: “Both John and David bring an incredible wealth of experience to our team and a strong commitment to serving the Victorian community.
“For more than half a century, both men have helped thousands of Victorians get to where they need to go.
“We are proud to have drivers whose knowledge and experience is highly valued by everyone at Transdev.”
PASSING TRIBUTE
Over the years, both drivers have witnessed significant changes and growth to the city and advancements in the technology and comfort and safety of buses, but the customers and their experiences remain some of the most memorable moments on the job, they say.
Dussi says he has had many memorable customers over the years and adds some passengers can become like family.
“I used to drive four older ladies from Abbotsford to St Francis church in the city to clean the pews and arrange the flowers. I formed a good friendship with one of the women, Teresa,” he explained.
“She was friendly with all the bus drivers and was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
“When she passed away she arranged for a box of chocolates to be delivered to the depot to say thank you to the drivers with a copy of the order of service from her funeral so we’d know who it was from,” he fondly recalled.
Transdev marked the milestones of Dussi and Reeve with a celebration at its Sunshine West depot and special messages on destination banners on buses driven by the drivers.
ABOUT TRANSDEV
Transdev believes public transport plays an important part in how a city comes to life, it says. Its day-to-day work infl uences families, friends and future generations where they live, work and play, it explains.
In Australasia, Transdev has 6,170 people passionate about operating its 2,010 vehicles and vessels, which deliver more than 160 million customer journeys each year, it states.
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Celebrations may have been delayed from last year, but both drivers are now getting the recognition they deserve.
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Transdev marked the milestones of Dussi and Reeve with a celebration at its Sunshine West depot and special messages on destination banners on buses driven by the drivers.
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“For more than half a century, both men have helped thousands of Victorians get to where they need to go,” said Transdev.
TRUCK FESTIVAL IN THE PARKLANDS
Of all the places to hold a truck show! How could you ever hope to beat the surroundings of Brisbane’s amazing South Bank Parklands?
South Bank is Brisbane’s premier dining, lifestyle and cultural destination and the streets will be closed for this year’s South Bank Truck Festival in May.
The locals are rolling out the red carpet in preparation for your arrival. And it is up to all of us to show the Brisbane community how much we appreciate their hospitality.
So, the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) truck display will honour our connection with the community and tell stories of the different roles we play. HVIA will explain to them how proud it is of the industry’s innovation, skilful engineering and world-class local manufacturing.
HVIA will be putting on some entertainment and hopes you will mix amongst the locals and let them experience the generous heart and soul that underpins every one of you.
HVIA will invite the locals and visitors from far and wide to come and share the experience with us. And we will leave an indelible mark on them that will further elevate their perception of us, and our role in the community.
Meanwhile, the locals will be catering for you too. They are opening their doors and their arms to welcome you to their wonderful establishments.
They’ll be rolling out the proverbial red carpet for you and your guests to create a festival atmosphere, including free live entertainment; many will be offering special deals for truck show visitors.
Come and join the fun at the South Bank Truck Festival. It’s a major heavy vehicle display and entertainment and networking hub.
Little Stanley Street and Stanley Street Plaza will be closed to traffi c for a major display of trucks and trailers.
The Heavy Industry Week will see 30–40,000 people enjoying this exciting initiative, a place for our industry to gather with customers, mates – both old and new – and the broader community.
Come and share in the spirit of this fabulous week of events.
STRONGMAN TRUCK PUSH AIMS FOR GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Over the past couple of years, Troy ConleyMagnusson has had a lot of attention due to his many amazing exploits.
He has had more than a fair go at a number of phenomenal records. A Guinness World Record is inevitably going to feature his name very soon, and it could very well be as a result of his next challenge, during the South Bank Truck Festival.
“What’s important for me is the fundraising,” Conley-Magnusson said. “That’s absolutely number one. If we can drive that past $30,000 that would be incredible.
“The record is then a nice bonus.”
He says that while the challenges are great fun, they are for a serious reason.
“It’s all about helping kids that have been seriously injured or diagnosed with critical illnesses like cancer and leukaemia,” he said.
“Unfortunately, that is what happened with young Ava. At just two-years-old, she was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia and subsequently lost over 98 per cent of her bone marrow.
“Thankfully, now fi ve years on, she’s ok and in remission, largely thanks to the support Little Wings, Ronald McDonald House and Sydney Children’s Hospital offer.”
Last November, Conley-Magnusson was attempting to break the Guinness World Record for Most Cars pulled by an Individual with 16 Hyundais, weighing over 25 tonnes. Unfortunately, he came up short of the record by fi ve metres due to a misplaced foot on one of the car’s brakes!
To keep momentum going and keep driving the fundraising, Conley-Magnusson was looking for another challenge.
“I’ll be looking to set a new Guinness World Record for the heaviest truck pushed by an individual for 100ft (30m). Currently this is 11 tonnes,” he explained.
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia is supplying a 12-tonne Freightliner Cascadia for the attempt.
“After the failed world record attempt last year I received a message from Ava’s mum,” Conley-Magnusson added.
“For all the things I’ve done in my life, nothing has moved me in the way that did.
“So, now I’m a man possessed, and a man on a mission, to ensure we reach our $30,000 target.”
Here is a small excerpt from Ava’s mum Kathy’s letter:
“Ava and I were chatting about you and she realised you lived at Ronald McDonald house as well for a long time when you were little, then the penny dropped.
“You could see her eyes begin to sparkle. She asked ‘so I could do that?’
“I think it would be amazing if you could go and tell all the kids who stay at Ronald McDonald house your story.”
Conley-Magnusson explained: “Going the extra mile like I am at the moment to help the community, to allow kids like Ava to be able to follow their dreams, and support families like hers when they need it the most; that’s all I need.”
Make sure you are there to support Troy on Friday morning, May 14.
Go to www.truckfestival.com.au to donate.
