2008 – 2018: During the period from 2008 to 2018, DELBUS was an integral part of the Discovery Transport Group, boasting a decade of experience in the transportation industry. Our journey commenced modestly, initially offering courier services and later expanding into removals. Our commitment to excellence led us to maintain a specialized parcel service, focusing on parcels weighing less than 6kg.
2018: In late April 2018, we embarked on an exciting venture – DELBUS Airport Transfers. Our inaugural service featured a luxury Mitsubishi Delica D5 with 8 seats, including the driver. Initially, it was a one-person, one-van operation, dedicated solely to airport transfers from Melbourne Airport. However, our dedication and demand quickly grew. In May of that year, we expanded by adding Steve with his Ford Falcon. The surge in demand prompted us to increase our fleet and staff.
June 2018 marked the introduction of a 14-seat Hummer Stretch Limo, operated by Luke or Rick. In the subsequent month, we welcomed Manos and his 2017 Kia Cerato 5 Door hatch to our ever-expanding fleet. By September 2018, we introduced a Ford Territory with a female driver, Orlee, to accommodate those who preferred a female driver. Additionally, Reid joined us with his Kia Sportage, and David with his MB Van, along with Neil in his 2015 Ford Falcon. The year 2019 saw the addition of five new drivers.
January 2019: As part of our continuous expansion, we extended our operations to cover Adelaide, encompassing areas all the way to Victor Harbor, the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Valley, and all towns to Mount Gambier. By March 2019, we ventured into the Gold Coast with one driver, quickly adding a second driver by month’s end. Our presence in the Gold Coast continued to grow with plans for further expansion.
April 2019: Continuing to expand, we began operations in Canberra and Sydney.
September 2019: Our growth trajectory persisted as we commenced operations in Newcastle and Wollongong.
2020: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adapt. We temporarily scaled back our service areas, focusing primarily on Melbourne and the Gold Coast, prioritizing the safety of our customers. Our new safety measures included sanitizing vehicles after each customer, QR code check-ins, masked drivers and passengers, hand sanitizer in all cars, and regular COVID testing for our drivers.
April 2022: Despite the challenges, we persevered and continued to serve our loyal customers. Our primary focus remained on Melbourne and the Gold Coast, where we weathered the pandemic’s impact. Although airport delays were common post-COVID, we remained dedicated to providing the best service possible, even if it meant running slightly behind schedule. We acknowledged the collective resilience and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and care.
August 2022: As the world gradually reopened with widespread vaccination, new challenges emerged, including driver shortages, flight delays, and baggage handler strikes. We adapted to this evolving landscape by concentrating our efforts on Melbourne and the Gold Coast, striving to offer a safer and COVID-free experience. Our operations were streamlined, with limited services in Sydney and Adelaide, as we worked diligently to rebuild our business post-pandemic.