Remembering Sydney's buses

It might be somewhat esoteric in nature, but a new book recounting the long-gone liveries of Sydney's many route buses was the perfect tonic for its author, who was recovering from a major stroke.

A salesman of Scania buses and coaches for many years, Tony Finneran's life took an alarming turn when, two years ago, a major stroke left the then 55-year-old fighting for survival.

Survive, however, he did, and it was during his long and arduous rehabilitation that Tony was compelled to produce a book on a subject very close to his heart: the disappearing liveries of Sydney's route buses.

With route buses in Australia's most populous city increasingly adopting a standardised white-and-blue scheme, Tony decided it was time to put his knowledge and archives to good use, as he continued his on-going rehabilitation.

The salesman, Army Reservist of 35 years and now author says producing the book, which showcases Sydney buses through the decades, was beneficial to his recovery on multiple levels.

"I was completely paralysed by the stroke and the doctors were not convinced I would survive," he says.

"But then my army training kicked in and I willed myself to get better. As part of the rehabilitation process I relearned my computer skills, albeit without much of the use of my formerly dominant right hand.

"With a huge collection of photos of old buses, and the eager support of so many friends and colleagues throughout the industry, I have been able to compile this book: Gone but not forgotten – the lost liveries of Sydney’s route buses.”

The book details buses from more than 170 bus companies over 250 pages, with the Scania on the cover being one he delivered to Punchbowl Bus & Coach Co back in 1990 – his first to a Sydney bus operator.

Tony recently returned to Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital's Stroke Rehabilitation Ward to officially launch the book before the medical staff who guided his recovery, with many NSW bus industry figures including the Executive Director of BusNSW, Darryl Mellish, also in attendance.

"I knew I had to become left-hand dominant with any future computer work and if my first goal was to return to work, then I needed to challenge my skill sets," says Tony.

"Working on the book made me cut and paste and insert, and it wasn't long before I was back into full-time work.

"As a stroke survivor it made me realise the high importance of setting goals and staying focused on the things you can achieve; hopefully it will inspire other survivors to achieve what may seem impossible.

Having now returned to work at Scania, where he mentors the company's Bus Driver Development Team, Tony is now working on his second book – a part of what he says will ultimately form a five-tome history of the bus industry.

A large portion of the book's sales go to the National Stroke Foundation, to whom Tony has already presented a cheque for $5500.

Published in both hardback and soft-cover form, a limited number of copies of Gone but not forgotten – the lost liveries of Sydney’s route buses remain available. Visit www.gbnf.com.au for more information and for details of the book's independent stockists.