Richard "Dick" Rowe, the visionary founder of Busways, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on 20 August 2024, leaving an indelible legacy in the Australian bus industry. Known for his exceptional dedication to service, Dick founded a small family business which has become one of Australia's largest and most respected bus operators.

Dick's journey in the bus industry began in 1942 at 17 years of age when he saw an opportunity and started a passenger service between Rooty Hill Station and Plumpton with a five-seater 1931 Chrysler 70. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would later become Rowes Bus Service and, ultimately, Busways.

Under his stewardship, Rowes Bus Service expanded from a single-route operation to a route network across western Sydney and south-western Sydney. His strategic vision was crucial in navigating the company through the many challenges faced during the post-war period.

In the 1950s and 60s Dick Rowe continued to grow his bus service through joint ventures, acquisitions, and delivering quality services that the public used.  He also contributed significantly to the evolution of the fledgling private bus industry. In 1966, Sydney’s then largest housing estate was developed just past Plumpton – Mount Druitt. In a revolutionary move for the time, Dick placed bus stops throughout the new neighbourhoods before the houses were even complete, ensuring transport was at the centre of population growth.

In the early 1980s when some of his sons joined the business and started transitioning into leading Busways.  Dick supported and helped guide Busways during the competitive "bus wars" of the 1990s, where many family-owned businesses struggled to survive. Throughout these trials, Busways not only endured but thrived, largely due to Dick instilling a long-lasting, unwavering commitment to providing an efficient and dependable service.

Beyond his role at Busways, Dick was a prominent figure in the Australian bus industry. A long-time member of the Bus & Coach Association (NSW), now BusNSW, he served on the executive for many years. In 1984, he was honoured with a Certificate of Life Membership by the association. His influence extended beyond his company, as he was a passionate advocate for the industry's development and modernisation, earning the respect of his peers and helping to shape the future of public transport in Australia.

Dick was also a staunch believer in family values, which were deeply embedded in Busways’ operations.  As a family-owned business, Dick’s aim was to prioritise safety, quality and consistency, while investing locally and looking after the community. He was proud that some of his sons and grandchildren took interest and roles in the business, and that it is still in Rowe family hands today.

Busways has grown to be the largest Australian family-owned bus operator with a vast bus network covering western and north-western Sydney, the NSW Central Coast, NSW mid north coast, and southern Adelaide. Busways today operates over 72 million trip kilometres annually with a team of more 2,800, a fleet of 1,350 buses from 20 bus depots.

Dick’s life was one of dedication to his family, his company, and the industry he loved. His memory will continue to inspire those who work to keep Australia moving, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives touched by his kindness, vision and leadership. His legacy is cherished by the many employees and industry colleagues who had the privilege of working with him over the years.

Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years Joyce Rowe, and is survived by his 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dick’s son Richard and grandchildren Byron and Asha continue to carry forward his passion and commitment to the running of Busways.

As we say goodbye to a pioneer and a true legend of the Australian bus industry, we honour Dick Rowe’s contributions and celebrate a life well-lived.