Bunbury-Katanning-Bunbury Bus Service
A road-bus service was provided from Bunbury to Katanning and return in 1950. Although the days it ran changed over the years it was discontinued in 1978 after the Perth-Albany passenger train service ceased to operate.
This type of Foden is an example of the bus that was the backbone of the West Australian Government Railways (WAGR) Railway Road Services for over two decades. At one time, WAGR was the world’s largest operator of Foden PVSC6 buses who used them to replace country rail passenger services and for country areas not serviced by rail.
From the BPSWA Website
KATANNING – BUNBURY ROAD BUS SERVICE
FIRST RUN ON TUESDAY NEXT
Great Southern Herald
3 November, 1950 (p2)
The W.A. Government Railways have officially announced the introduction of a road bus service between Bunbury and Katanning, and return. From the time-table issued, it would appear the service is to be run once weekly, leaving Bunbury at 1.45 p.m. on Mondays, and departing from Katanning on the return trip at 7.30 a.m. Tuesdays.
The service is to be commenced this coming week, the first bus to make the run to arrive in Katanning from Bunbury at 7.35 p.m. on Monday, commencing the return trip at 7.30 a.m. on Tuesday, reaching Bunbury at 1.40 p.m. The trip from Bunbury will be via Donnybrook, Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Mayanup and then through Kojonup to Katanning. The return journey covers the same route as far as Boyup Brook, then going through Noggarup, Mumballup to Donnybrook and so on to Bunbury.
Via Bridgetown Mondays and miles from Bunbury, as follows: –
Bunbury depart 1.45 p.m.
Bridgetown arrive 3-55 p.m. 60
Bridgetown depart 4.05 p.m.
Boyup Brook arrive 4.50 p.m. 79
Boyup Brook depart 4.55 p.m.
Mayanup arrive 5.14 p.m. 88
Muradup arrive 6.20 p.m. 121
Farrar arrive 6.33 p.m. 127
Kojonup arrive 6.45 p.m. 132
Katanning arrive 7.35 p.m. 157
Tuesdays – Times and miles from Katanning, as follows: –
Katanning depart 7.30 a. m.
Kojonup depart 8.20 a.m. 25
Farrar depart 8.50 a.m. 30
Muradup depart 9.03 a.m. 36
Mayanup depart 10.10 a.m. 69
Boyup Brook arrive 10.30 a.m. 78
Boyup Brook depart 10.45 a.m.
Donnybrook arrive 12.44 p.m. 126
Bunbury arrive 1.40 p.m. 151
Fare 2d per mile.