The iconic red and white colour scheme of Rover Coaches is changing to blue and white to fall in line with the State Government’s buses, trains and ferries.

Two new coaches recently bought by Rovers have the new colour scheme and others that are repaired or refurbished will also take on the new paint jobs.

Rover Coaches CEO, Aaron Lewis, said Transport NSW has designed a common bus livery for contracted bus operations in the Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan areas.

Transport for NSW Director-General, Les Walionga, told Mr. Lewis that Transport NSW appreciates and acknowledges the local brands created by operators over many years, however wishes to pursue a common livery and the benefits it offers.

“Any new bus being manufactured that has not been painted is to comply with this new livery. In addition, any buses undergoing refurbishment including a re-spray is to comply with the new livery design.”

Mr. Lewis said as far as he is concerned he cannot see any benefits for the change and that they will only confuse some commuters.

Rover Coaches is paid by the State Government to run route services and school runs and as a contractor has no say in the directive.

Forty-six of the 55 coach fleet is used for these purposes with others used for charter work.

They will retain the traditional red and white Rovers colour scheme that was introduced in the early eighties. When the company was formed in 1924 buses were pained red but in the early eighties the red and white colours emerged to help make the coaches more visible to other road users.

Unhappy with the directions, Mr. Lewis said the changes forced on the company represent a calculated policy to remove traditional identities. He added it (forcing the colour change) was a Sydney-centric decision with no relevance to Cessnock.