Nine new buses have been added to the Go West fleet.

The Bus and Coach International 2018 models have the latest safety features, electronic braking systems and were selected for their exceptional remote area capability.

The latest acquisitions are part of a company fleet replacement strategy to streamline the fleet, phasing out Daewoo coaches and using BCI vehicles across the operation.

“These coaches have the latest innovations and comfort features and will ensure that our fleet is one of the most modern in Australia,” said General Manager David Haoust.

Go West Tours broke all previous records in its supply of buses to Bunbury’s iconic Groovin’ the Moo concert in May.

Ninety-eight buses, an increase of 76 in 2018, moved 7500 people to and from Perth, Collie, Mandurah, Dunsborough, Busselton and Bunbury.

Concert-goers arrived at the event on time and were transferred from the grounds by 12.10pm, 20 minutes quicker than last year.

“There were no breakdowns or incidents and all drivers undertook their duties safely and diligently,” said General Manager David Haoust.

“A big thanks to the Bunbury team for their unrelenting efforts to ensure this mass transportation project was executed so perfectly.

“Groovin’ the Moo will continue in Bunbury for another five years and Go West Tours looks forward to undertaking the same great services into the future.”

Residents from the Bunbury region recently enjoyed all the comforts of Go West Tours’ luxury coaches on the Australind train’s rail replacement service.

Go West picked up passengers from the Bunbury Train Station and delivered them to Perth, stopping at all of the stops the Australind normally stops at. It then picked up Perth passengers and returned them to Bunbury.

The transfers were run over 10 weeks as part of a TransWA contract that Go West secured earlier this year, to carry out all rail replacement services in Perth and the South West when trains undergo maintenance.

Photo: Driver John Bitkash at the Bunbury Train Station with Nola Hofert-Smith and Shirley Motteram of St James in Perth who are both regular visitors to Bunbury.

Go West has expanded the mechanical services it provides to Rio Tinto through Sodexo in Newman, further growing this new arm of the business.

An additional 35 buses, 50 light vehicles and 80 golf carts which used at the Rio Tinto accommodation village, will now be serviced by the team at the workshop. Additional mechanics are being hired to assist with the new contract.

“Being asked to take on additional servicing by Rio Tinto is a direct result of the great service and expertise our team been providing to them,” said Maintenance Manager Darren Babich.

“Well done to everyone in Newman and to the team in Tom Price, who also service vehicles for Rio Tinto, for their efforts in making Go West the first choice for vehicle servicing in the Pilbara.”

It has been a busy time in recent months as Go West staff organised logistics, tours, buses and drivers for six cruise ship visits in 18 days.

“It takes some skill to ensure all logistics are in place and align the right drivers for the job in a tourism industry which requires world class standards,” said Go West Director David Haoust.

“More than 650 passengers per ship were transferred onto tours or shuttle buses to enjoy the South West.”

Photo: Cassie Hughes from Go West Tours assisted with the disembarking of passengers from cruise ships to Go West buses to enjoy tours of the South West.