Kinetic expands Tasmanian operations with acquisition of Tassielink Transit

Kinetic has today announced an agreement to acquire Tassielink Transit, one of Tasmania's most respected bus operators, further strengthening its commitment to the state and its growing public transport network. 

Tassielink operates six contracted General Access services connecting Greater Hobart with the Huon Valley, Tasman Peninsula, East Coast, Southern Midlands, as well as services in both the Launceston region and on the West Coast, on behalf of Building Tasmania. The business operates a fleet of 39 buses from its Derwent Park depot and satellite sites across the state. 

Tassielink has connected Tasmanian communities for decades and has been owned and led by the Dewsbery family since 2020. Managing Director Shane Dewsbery, known to many across Tasmania as “Bubbles", has been part of the business for more than 30 years.

Tassielink's drivers and frontline team members will continue to deliver services, and passengers will see no change to routes or timetables.  

Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the acquisition reflected Kinetic's long-term commitment to invest in Tasmania. 

"Shane and his family have built a business that has a proud record of serving Tasmanian communities, and we look forward to continuing their legacy," said Mr Sewards. 

"Tasmania is growing rapidly, and Hobart's growth corridors, from the Huon Valley to Sorell and the southern beaches, are among the fastest-moving in the state, and we believe buses will carry that growth. 

"Reliable bus services have never mattered more to these communities, and this investment deepens our partnership with the Tasmanian Government and our commitment to delivering safe, reliable services to Tasmanians.” 

Kinetic General Manager (Tasmania) Andrew Grzinic said the team was looking forward to welcoming their new colleagues. 

"We're excited to welcome the Tassielink team on board – they're known across Tasmania as a team who genuinely care about their passengers, and that's exactly the kind of team we want alongside us," said Mr Grzinic. 

"Our focus over the coming months is a smooth and seamless transition for the Tassielink team, their customers and the communities they serve.”

Tassielink Managing Director Shane Dewsbery said the business has been a huge part of his and his family's life. 

“We have had the privilege of working alongside some wonderful people and serving communities right across Tasmania," Mr Dewsbery said.

"Ultimately this decision was about making sure Tassielink has the right foundations for its next stage, and protecting the interests of our customers, our people and the communities we serve. 

“There is sadness in bringing this chapter to an end, but we are enormously proud of what we have built and excited about the future of the business.

"Above everything else, I want to thank our staff. The people who drive our buses, manage our fleet and look after our customers every day are the heart of Tassielink. 

“We run more than 100 services a day around Tasmania, and I am grateful for their loyalty and professionalism. Without them, Tassielink would not be what it is today.

"This has never simply been a business to us. It has been a family business built around our people and the needs of our local communities."

The transaction is expected to complete later this year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.