BUSES are perhaps the most democratic form of public transport. In every city anywhere in the world, buses will ply routes moving hordes of people around to where they need to be at the cheapest possible fare.
In Shepparton, Dick Moroney is one of the legends of public transport who brings hundreds of kids to and from school every week on his Dysons Bus route.
Dick is a long-time Shepparton local. He loves the place, is semi-retired, and finds driving a bus every morning and afternoon the perfect job to keep him busy.
His bus, the number 999 low floor Volvo which runs the Kingfisher route on the north side of town via St Luke’s and Notre Dame College’s Emmaus Campus, is a school before school for about 60 kids at a time.
Dick said it doesn’t take long to get to know the kids, and they get to know him.
“You see them every day virtually,” he said.
“So yeah, you get to know them by first name. They all call me Richard of course.
“You give and take a bit. You treat them with respect, and you get it back. I’ve got a good bunch of kids.”
Dick is an astute professional. It’s no small task taking the safety of 60 school kids on your shoulders every morning and evening, and every day starts with a thorough check of his bus – the lights, oil, water, and belts.
“You’ve got to be careful because there’s a heap of traffic out there and especially with 60 kids on board, so you’ve got to do the right thing,” he said.
“I pick them up safe and get them home safe, as simple as that. You’ve got to be on the ball. You’ve got to have eyes everywhere, all the time.”
When not behind the wheel of his bus, he’s driving a Kia Sportage, but also has a special toy, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Dick’s not a diehard petrol head, but he likes his cars just as he likes his bus – spotlessly clean and in perfect working order.
If you, or anyone you know, is passionate about their car, motorbike, bicycle, or wheelbarrow (basically anything with wheels), please get in contact with The Adviser at editor@sheppartonadviser.com.au. Happy driving!
