SkyBus (airport bus)

SkyBus commenced operations on 6 June 1978, running a shuttle service between Melbourne Airport and the Melbourne city centre. On 2 August 1982, SkyBus took over the airport bus services run by the now-defunct airlines Ansett and TAA."Victorian Buses in the eighties" Australian Bus Panorama issue 6/2 September 1990 page 13[https://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/nat.php?flsummary=SKY Skybus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051859/https://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/nat.php?flsummary=SKY |date=22 December 2017 }} Australian Bus Fleet Lists

File:Looking north bound down the Tullamarine Freeway at Airport West.jpg

Until November 2000, the Melbourne city centre terminus was at a coach depot in Franklin Street. It would pick up passengers at the then Spencer Street station and various city hotels before continuing on to the airport. In November 2000, SkyBus relocated to Spencer Street station with services operating express to the airport, cutting the journey time to 20 minutes and allowing more services to be introduced. Connecting minibuses were introduced to continue the hotel transfer/pickup service.{{cite web |title=New Home For Skybus At Spencer Street Station |url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/17ed9415cb17e3d34a25682500254734/3af006eab097f6b24a256992000bf8d4!OpenDocument |website=Government of Victoria |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012151403/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/17ed9415cb17e3d34a25682500254734/3af006eab097f6b24a256992000bf8d4!OpenDocument |archivedate=12 October 2009 |date=6 November 2000 |url-status=live |language=en |access-date=16 June 2008 }}

In 2002, the Government of Victoria opted to contribute $3 million to a $10 million plan to expand and improve SkyBus services, after a feasibility study into a city to airport rail link found the service would not be viable. The initiative funded the purchase of new buses, and improvements to the Tullamarine Freeway, to give SkyBus vehicles priority in traffic.[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/12/1022982862204.html Better buses replace dumped rail link] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025021115/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/12/1022982862204.html |date=25 October 2012 }} The Age 12 June 2002 The operation has an audited revenue share arrangement with the Victorian Government.[http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/train-derailed-by-buckpassing-and-vested-interests-20100625-z9sx.html Train derailed by buck-passing and vested interests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213171730/http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/train-derailed-by-buckpassing-and-vested-interests-20100625-z9sx.html |date=13 December 2011 }} The Age 26 June 2010

In August 2008, the SkyBus contract was renewed for five years. In 2007 SkyBus' patronage grew by 17% over the previous year, to 1.6 million passengers, with estimated revenue of $24 million.[http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/4530.html Brumby Government Signs New Five Year for Skybus (sic)] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130616101906/http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/4530.html |date=16 June 2013 }} Premier of Victoria 26 August 2008

Proposals to improve the bus service involving turning emergency lanes into bus lanes on the freeway and the Bolte Bridge and putting SkyBus on a Myki fare, were challenged by CityLink operator Transurban, because it would limit its toll revenue, and by Melbourne Airport, because it would reduce its car parking profits. Both facilities were privatised in the 1990s.

In September 2014, SkyBus was purchased by a consortium that included Catalyst Direct Capital Management and OPTrust Private Markets Group.[https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/deal-news/optrust-catalyst-acquire-australias-skybus.html OPTrust, Catalyst acquire Australia’s SkyBus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128024826/https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/deal-news/optrust-catalyst-acquire-australias-skybus.html |date=28 January 2020 }} AltAssets 8 September 2014 The consortium would later be known as AATS Group (known as Kinetic Group since August 2019).{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/about-skybus/|title=About Skybus|website=Skybus|accessdate=20 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713224932/https://www.skybus.com.au/about-skybus/|archivedate=13 July 2019|url-status=live}} In 2015, SkyBus purchased the Auckland Airport service in New Zealand from Johnston's Coachlines.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11537752 Faster airport bus trips on cards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044421/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11537752 |date=13 September 2017 }} The New Zealand Herald 31 October 2015 In June 2016, SkyBus commenced operating to Frankston with the purchase of the Frankston & Peninsula Airport Shuttle.[http://australia.etbtravelnews.com/290152/skybus-adds-new-frankston-to-melbourne-airport-route/ Skybus adds new Frankston to Melbourne Airport route] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804143721/http://australia.etbtravelnews.com/290152/skybus-adds-new-frankston-to-melbourne-airport-route/ |date=4 August 2016 }} ETB Travel News 7 June 2016[http://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1606/more-airport-services/ More Airport Services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803161225/http://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1606/more-airport-services/ |date=3 August 2016 }} Australasian Bus & Coach 7 June 2016

In February 2017, SkyBus took over the route between Southern Cross station and Avalon Airport previously run by Sita Buslines.[http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/skybus-arrives-at-avalon-airport/ Skybus arrives at Avalon Airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320145836/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/skybus-arrives-at-avalon-airport/ |date=20 March 2017 }} Government of Victoria 16 December 2016[https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1711/skybus-adds-southbank-service Skybus adds Southbank service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222055248/https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1711/skybus-adds-southbank-service |date=22 December 2017 }} Australasian Bus & Coach 1 November 2017 In July 2017, it began operating the Geelong to Avalon Airport service after the previous owners, Murrel Group, lost their accreditation to enter the airport.[http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelongavalon-airport-shuttle-bus-service-replaced-by-skybus/news-story/d5477874f9813ae9ba7661eff870280f Geelong-Avalon Airport shuttle bus service replaced by SkyBus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912074101/http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelongavalon-airport-shuttle-bus-service-replaced-by-skybus/news-story/d5477874f9813ae9ba7661eff870280f |date=12 September 2017 }} Geelong Advertiser 9 July 2017 In November 2017, SkyBus Gold Coast operations commenced in Gold Coast, Queensland with the purchase of the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle (GCTS) business from Surfside Buslines.{{cite web|url=https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1711/skybus-acquire-gc-airport-service|title=Skybus acquire GC airport service|publisher=Australasian Bus & Coach|date=16 November 2017|accessdate=16 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185013/https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1711/skybus-acquire-gc-airport-service|archivedate=16 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-launches-new-gold-coast-airport-shuttle|title=SkyBus launches new Gold Coast Airport Shuttle|publisher=Skybus|date=6 December 2017|accessdate=20 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313140247/https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-launches-new-gold-coast-airport-shuttle|archivedate=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}

The Avalon City Express service operates between Avalon Airport and Southern Cross railway station via the Princes Freeway and West Gate Freeway, making a stop in Werribee. The service operates to a timetable that is adjusted monthly, with one service connecting to every flight departing and arriving at Avalon Airport.

In July 2018, SkyBus commenced services between the Hobart central business district and Hobart Airport.[https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-soars-into-hobart SkyBus soars into Hobart] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722125539/https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-soars-into-hobart|date=22 July 2018}} SkyBus Airport Express 20 June 2018[https://www.busnews.com.au/skybus-passengers-soar-at-hobart-airport SkyBus passengers soar at Hobart Airport] Australasian Bus & Coach 30 March 2023

File:Skybus number 65 (5177AO) Scania in Wurundjeri Way, 2013.JPG bodied Scania L94UB on Wurundjeri Way in November 2013]]

SkyBus's flagship service operates between Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine and Southern Cross railway station on the western edge of the Melbourne city centre, via the Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink, with no intermediate stops. At Melbourne Airport, SkyBus stops for pick up and drop off at Terminals 1 and 3, and also picks up at Terminal 4. Terminals 2 and 4 are within walking distance from the Terminal 3 stop.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to a 10-minute frequency between 6:00 am and 12:00 am (midnight), subject to traffic conditions. The service operates to a 30-minute frequency between 1:00 am and 4:30 am, and 15 to 30 minutes at all other times.{{cite web|title=Melbourne City Express timetable|url=https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/timetable/|website=SkyBus|accessdate=7 September 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226042522/https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/timetable/|archivedate=26 February 2017|url-status=live|language=en}}

SkyBus is not covered under the Myki ticketing system which services the rest of Melbourne. However, SkyBus allows the use of the access travel pass on all SkyBus services in Victoria only.{{cite web|title=Airport buses|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/airport-buses/|website=Public Transport Victoria|accessdate=7 September 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705135048/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/airport-buses/|archivedate=5 July 2017|url-status=live|language=English}} Proposals in January 2013 by the Victorian Government to integrate SkyBus ticketing with the Myki system were shelved after opposition from Transurban and Melbourne Airport.{{cite news|last1=Carey|first1=Adam|title=SkyBus lane faces fight|url=http://www.traveller.com.au/skybus-lane-faces-fight-2c7ib|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017010101/http://www.traveller.com.au/skybus%2Dlane%2Dfaces%2Dfight%2D2c7ib|accessdate=7 September 2017|work=Traveller (The Age)|agency=Fairfax Media|date=4 January 2013|archivedate=17 October 2015|url-status=dead}}

The Frankston shuttle operates between Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport and Frankston railway station, making intermediate stops in St Kilda, Elsternwick, Elwood, Brighton, Moorabbin, Highett, Cheltenham, Parkdale and Chelsea. A limited number of services extend to Mount Eliza and Mornington, while one weekday-only service continues further to Dromana and Rosebud.

File:Skybus bus at Albany New Zealand 24Sept2018.jpg mall]]

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The Avalon Geelong Express service operated between Avalon Airport and South Geelong railway station, with an intermediate stop at Geelong railway station. The service began in July 2017. The service operated to a timetable that was adjusted monthly, with one service connecting to every flight departing and arriving at Avalon Airport. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not resumed as of February 2024.

In December 2017, SkyBus launched airport shuttle services to the Gold Coast Airport from various hotels.[https://economytraveller.com/skybus-launches-gold-coast-airport-transfer-services/ Skybus launches Gold Coast Airport transfer services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150341/https://economytraveller.com/skybus-launches-gold-coast-airport-transfer-services/|date=26 August 2018}} Economy Traveller From 16 September 2018, the Byron Bay Express commenced running services from Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay.[https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-to-launch-byron-bay-airport-transfer-service SkyBus to launch Byron Bay airport transfer service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826151839/https://www.skybus.com.au/announcements/skybus-to-launch-byron-bay-airport-transfer-service|date=26 August 2018}} Skybus Airport Express 23 August 2018. The services were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not resumed as of February 2024.

The Eastern Express operated between Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport and Croydon railway station, making intermediate stops at Watsonia railway station, Westfield Doncaster, Box Hill Central, Blackburn railway station and Ringwood railway station. Outbound passengers can also be picked up at Terminal 1.

The service operated daily, including all public holidays, between 4:30 am and 7:15 pm daily. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not resumed as of February 2024.

The Southbank Docklands Express operated between Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport and four designated stops in Southbank, with an intermediate stop in Docklands. The service began in November 2017, operating to similar frequencies and hours as the St Kilda Express. Fares were identical to that of the Melbourne City Express service. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not resumed as of February 2024.

File:SkyBus on Carlisle Street St Kilda August 2016.jpg

The St Kilda Express service operated between Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport and four designated stops in St Kilda, picking up and setting down passengers at these stops. Outbound passengers could also be picked up at Terminal 1.

The service operated daily, including all public holidays, to a 30-minute frequency on weekdays and hourly on weekends. Operating hours are approximately between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm daily. Services were suspended in 2021, with the route later being subsumed into the Peninsula Express.{{Cite web |title=SkyBus - Service Update |url=https://www.skybus.com.au/service-update/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.skybus.com.au}}

The Western Express operated between Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport and Werribee, with an intermediate stop at Tarneit railway station. Outbound passengers could also be picked up at Terminal 1. The service operated daily, including all public holidays, between 5:05 am and 8:35 pm daily. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not resumed as of February 2024.

SkyBus operated services to Auckland Airport. Services were indefinitely suspended in 2021.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2021 |title=End of the road: Lockdown means SkyBus to Auckland Airport parked for good |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-delta-outbreak-skybus-ends-auckland-airport-city-service/3Q4K4EC6LGA52HVEI3TNZEORYA/ |access-date=1 June 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=5 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105072850/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-delta-outbreak-skybus-ends-auckland-airport-city-service/3Q4K4EC6LGA52HVEI3TNZEORYA/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=SkyBus |title=Service Update |url=https://www.skybus.co.nz/service-update |access-date=1 June 2023 |website=SkyBus NZ |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126162118/https://www.skybus.co.nz/service-update |url-status=live }}

The Auckland City Express operated between the airport and the SkyBus Lounge in the Auckland CBD, running via the Southwestern Motorway, either Dominion Road or Mount Eden Road, and Queen Street.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/transport/public-transport |title=Public transport - Auckland Airport |access-date=26 September 2018 |archive-date=20 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020083534/https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/transport/public-transport |url-status=live }}

The North Harbour Express service operated between the airport and Albany (referred to by SkyBus as Albany Westfield because of the nearby Westfield Albany shopping mall). Services ran along the Northern Busway on the North Shore section of the route, stopping at Smales Farm and Akoranga stations.{{cite web|url=http://business.scoop.co.nz/2018/06/08/new-skybus-north-harbour-airport-service-ready-to-go/|accessdate=13 September 2018|title=New Skybus North Harbour Airport Service Ready to Go|date=8 June 2018|publisher=Scoop Independent News|archive-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913112147/http://business.scoop.co.nz/2018/06/08/new-skybus-north-harbour-airport-service-ready-to-go/|url-status=live}}

As at September 2023, the combined fleets consisted of 68 vehicles.[http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/nz.php?search=SKY Skybus Auckland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913091522/http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/nz.php?search=SKY |date=13 September 2017 }} Australian Bus Fleet Lists

{{Reflist}}

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• [http://www.skybus.com.au Australian website]
• [https://www.skybus.co.nz/ New Zealand website]

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{{Kinetic Group}}

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Category:Bus companies of Victoria (state)

Category:Bus transport in Melbourne

Category:Transport companies established in 1978

Category:1978 establishments in Australia

Category:Kinetic Group companies

Category:Bus companies of Tasmania