Parramatta-Ryde Bus Service
| Parent | Ken Butt Ferris family |
|---|---|
| Commenced operation | 1896 |
| Ceased operation | 28 February 2000 |
| Headquarters | Ermington |
| Service area | Northern & Western Sydney |
| Service type | Bus services |
| Alliance | North & Western Bus Lines |
| Routes | 4 |
| Depots | 1 |
| Fleet | 26 (February 2000) |
Parramatta-Ryde Bus Service was an Australian bus company operating route bus services and charter coaches in Sydney.
The origins of Parramatta-Ryde Bus Service can be traced back to 1896 when Alf Wigzell commenced a horse bus service along Victoria Road between Ryde station and Ermington. In 1915, the route was sold to Mr Howell and the first motor bus introduced. Howell sold out to William Henry, who in turn sold out to RB Staunton. In 1925 the route was allocated number 173.
On 27 April 1927, the business was purchased by Bill Phillips. By this stage route 173 had been extended to Parramatta station. After Phillips died in 1949, the business was taken over by his son Bill. In June 1950, the business was incorporated as Parramatta-Ryde Bus Service with Phillips and his wife being the major shareholders with managers Des Kennedy and Ivan Ferris each having smaller shareholdings. The Parramata-Ryde Bus Service trading name was adopted in the 1950s, with the charter operation becoming Trailer Tours.
In August 1950, the Department of Motor Transport asked Phillips to take over the operation of routes 98 and 105 from Granville station to South Granville and Sefton station. In August 1958, both were sold to Delwood Coaches.
On 10 November 1962 with the opening of the Silverwater Bridge, Parramatta-Ryde began operating a service from Parramatta station via Silverwater Road to Auburn. With Willcox Bus Service extending its Silvewater routes across the bridge to Ermington, both found their routes unprofitable, and in January 1963 agreed to retreat to their respective sides of the Parramatta River. In February 1976, Phillips retired and Kennedy and Ferris took over the business.
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