Transit Systems announces new General Manager - Victoria

Transit Systems, a Kelsian Group company, welcomes John Storms as the new General Manager Victoria.

Reporting to Greg Balkin, Transit Systems, Chief Operating Officer, Australian Public Transport Division, Mr Storms will oversee the Transit Systems operation in Victoria, including a fleet of 170 buses and 280 employees in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

John Storms has worked in a suite of industries in a management and business development capacity, including Donric Group, CB Clothing and Skybus.

According to Mr Storms, Melbourne has seen a unique shift, post-COVID, in the way customers approach and use public transport.

“Public transport in Melbourne, especially with the bus system - is bustling. We are seeing an increasing number of Melbournians heading back to work, so our bus system must keep up with the demand and provide a reliable and brilliant customer experience, every day,” he said.

Transit Systems recently launched its Bridj-powered on-demand app, FlexiRide Melton South, using Demand Responsive Technology (DRT), which provides an integrated and personalised journey, encouraging customers to leave their car at home.

“Two Australian-built hydrogen fuel cell buses will also soon join the Transit Systems Victoria fleet as part of the Victorian Government's three-year Zero Emission Bus Trial – a first in Melbourne’s western suburbs. It is certainly a busy and exciting time to join the Transit Systems team in Victoria.

“I am looking forward to working with the team to amplify Transit Systems’ role in Melbourne as the most trusted and most reliable bus operator. Our highly qualified team brings so much to the table when it comes to expert knowledge, industry insight and capability.

Mr Storms said that while it is a top priority to have a bus system which is efficient and timely, it is all about the people.

“I am looking forward to getting to know every member of the team and I will be working hard to showcase Transit Systems as the employer of choice for bus drivers. We want to have a team who embrace the diversity of what a role with us has to offer. A driver could start out their day driving a school bus by morning, then be responsible for a route service later that day and then drive a charter service in the afternoon.”

Mr Storms also said that he is excited about the future of public transport with the Victorian State Government’s target that all new buses in Victoria are to achieve zero emissions from 2025.

“Transit System will undoubtedly be leading the charge to embrace this target. We currently operate 36 electric buses across Sydney’s Inner West, which has led to the creation of the largest electrified depot in Australia.”

Mr Balkin welcomed Mr Storms to the team and said his breadth of knowledge in the transport industry will be an invaluable asset to the organisation.

“John’s 20+ year career has seen him execute his leadership skills in a wide variety of industries, with customer service always being front and centre.

“Transit Systems is continuously evolving its technology, network and offerings, and I am confident with John at the helm in Victoria, we will continue to grow and enhance our services.”