OUR COMPANY

Cole’s Coaches has proudly been in business for 50+ years. It was founded in 1972 by Jeff and Dorothy Cole and we now have 55 buses across Western Victoria. We are a second generation family owned business and transport people all over Australia.

Our offices and depots are located in a number of areas across western Victoria from Geelong to Port Fairy and from Warrnambool to Mortlake in the north.

With over 35 school bus services operating across the region plus charter coaches and minibuses available for hire, we pride ourselves on long-term relationships with state government departments, schools and local organisations.

WHY COLE’S?

We are a boutique private bus operator, servicing and valuing our loyal clients, ensuring the safety and comfort of our passengers and unwavering care of our staff.

OUR BRAND PILLARS OF POINTS OF DIFFERENCE INCLUDE:

  1. Safety first
  2. Our staff are everything
  3. Small and focussed

SAFETY PROMISE

The Cole’s Safety Promise comes first. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, our drivers, carers and other road users is paramount.

It is not just a promise but put into action with the following protocols.

  1. Our late model vehicles are fitted with lap sash seat belts
  2. Safety inspection pre-check prior to every departure
  3. Vehicles are regularly serviced by qualified technicians and maintained to the highest standard
  4. Annual vehicle audits are undertaken including brake testing
  5. Regular cleans to ensure the vehicle provides a safe and comfortable space
  6. Cole’s Coaches is an accredited operator and members of industry association BusVic
  7. All Cole’s Coaches drivers work under the NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) requirements, in relation to driver fatigue.

We also encourage our passengers to help us all stay safe by:

  1. Wearing a seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion
  2. Do not walk in front of the bus to cross the road, wait until the bus has cleared and it is safe to cross
  3. No walking up and down the aisle whilst the vehicle is in motion
  4. Avoid travelling on the vehicle if you have cold or flu like symptoms
  5. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others (not mandatory)
  6. No travelling when under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol
  7. Take care when boarding or alighting from the bus
  8. Avoid eating and drinking hot foods and drinks on board
  9. If feeling unwell in transit, let the driver or person in charge know so you can be made comfortable.
  10. Respecting other travellers when using digital devices

OUR DRIVERS

At Cole’s, our drivers are not just drivers. They are custodians of our passengers. We focus on providing a career, not just a job. We invest in their professional development across customer service and communication, inclusivity, advanced road-safety knowledge and career development.

Our commitment to excellent customer service is what we are known for. All our drivers are polite, flexible and friendly when out on the road. Their number one priority is to ensure the passenger arrives safely and happily to their required destination.

Our drivers are also given regular internal and external driver training. Regular sharing of information between drivers and operations team about road conditions, best places for traveller stops, and more, to ensure that every trip is a safe and comfortable one.

MEET OUR DRIVERS

Sam is one of our newest recruits, being with Cole’s Coaches for the last two years. He quickly progressed from driving mini buses on a Special Needs Service to driving large buses on a school run, going on to do charter jobs around Victoria. With a steady hand and a calm head, Sam will ensure you travel safely and comfortably every time. Sam’s footy team is Collingwood, he loves a surf, a hit of golf, and camping in the bush. Say g’day to Sam next time you see him on the road!
Rob has been with Cole’s Coaches for six years and is our maintenance manager and charter / school bus driver. Rob has had nearly 25 years of bus driving experience and is used to train some of our new drivers. Rob has a professional attitude and will ensure you have a good day out. In Rob’s spare time he likes to spend time with his family, hitching the caravan and heading away for a few days, or tinkering with his motorcycle. Golf is one of Rob’s latest passions and he is hoping to improve his game over time.
Graham has been with Cole’s Coaches for three years as our main charter and school bus driver. Graham is a ‘happy-go-lucky’ bus driver who has a wealth of experience behind the wheel. Graham has been in the bus industry for more than 15 years and knows his way around Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria. In Graham’s spare time he loves watching the Geelong Cats and other sports if they are being beaten; and spending time with his grandchildren and family. At home in Anglesea, Graham will have a go at golf or grow some vegetables in his backyard.
Pat has worked for Cole’s Coaches for four years. Pat has had plenty of experience prior to joining our company when he was driving heavy transport around Victoria. Pat helps on school runs, charter trips and has been a relief driver on a couple of interstate tours. In his spare time, Pat likes to keep fit, surfs and follows the Warrnambool Football Club (and St Kilda when they win).
David works at our Geelong office as Operations Manager and has worked for the company for over 10 years. When David is not in the office you will find him out on a school run and or charter. In his downtime David plays golf and tries to barrack for the Collingwood Magpies.
Alan has worked for Cole’s Coaches for the last 14 years. Alan is one of our regular school bus drivers. You will also find him out about on school/group day trips plus Alan helps on our extended tours as our tour cook/driver. In his own time Alan likes to spend time with his family and travelling. to all parts of the globe, including trips to India, Peru and the Easter Islands. Alan is also a keen fisherman and is very knowledgeable about where the best fishing spots are in western Victoria.
James as worked for the company for five years. James is our loveable Welsh driver. He has worked extensively in the UK and throughout Europe driving coaches for touring rock bands. James and his Australian wife and children now call Warrnambool home. You can find James out and about on one of our school runs, charter jobs and extended tours. In his downtime James likes to spend time with his family, cooking, watching live music, playing one of his many guitars and seeing comedy shows.
Steve brings an impressive and extensive coach driving experience having driven coaches for over 35 years. Steve has toured all over Australia, on camping, accommodated and 4WD tours. When he has not been driving coaches, Steve has also worked on a cattle station in the Northern Territory. His hobbies include camping, travelling Australia (towing the caravan) and spending time with his family. Steve drives on charter jobs and on extended tours.

THE ENVIRONMENT

A Greener Way To Travel

At Cole’s Coaches we are continuing to improve our environmental footprint.

OUR FLEET

When purchasing new vehicles, we strongly consider new technology that incorporates lower emission engines and sustainable engineering. Our buses are purchased for their safety, handling and for improved efficiencies.

OUR DEPOT

At Cole’s Coaches, we recycle waste oil, batteries, tyres and other vehicle parts. We also have large rainwater tanks for water conservation with the frequent washing of our vehicles ensuring they are pristine for their next journey.

PRODUCTS

We use environmentally friendly products that are all compliant with local sewer and stormwater regulations.

OUR DRIVERS

We continually invest in in our driver training to ensure they are all well equipped with advanced driving techniques resulting in improved fuel efficiencies. Optimised driving easily saves 10% on fuel, and tons of carbon emissions too.

Ready to make an enquiry or booking for your school or organisation?