Mervyn Cresswell OAM

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2023.

The Cresswell name is synonymous with passenger transport in Tasmanian history.

In the early 1900s Merv’s parents operated Cresswell Motors and it was from there that Merv branched out on his own in 1938 to start Ace Bus Service, later known as Ace Coaches. Working together with his wife Nancy, the business became one of the largest in Tasmania; operating school and passenger contracts, day tours, extended touring with the Tasmanian Tourist Bureau, and connecting with companies such as Australian Pacific Tours and Newmans Coaches on mainland Australia. Family was important, with five of their children working in the business at various stages. Merv also found time to be an integral part of local sporting clubs and community projects.

Merv was instrumental in the development of passenger road transport in Tasmania, working to achieve safe school transport as one of the inaugural committee members in the Tasmanian School Bus Association (SBA established 1947). He went on to receive life membership in 1978, a 40 Year Service award in 1980, and the Michael Polley Award of Meritorious Service in 1984 in recognition of his service to school transport.

Merv established the Bus Proprietors Association of Tasmania (BPA) in 1970, giving a voice to the operators of all passenger road services, charters, and tours at a state level. The BPA went on to be a founding member of the Australian Bus & Coach Association (ABCA) in 1979, of which Merv was the Tasmanian delegate for 23 years. Merv served a total of thirteen years over various terms as President of the BPA and remained a committee member between terms. He worked tirelessly with the State Government Road Transport Division, and the BPA was responsible for championing on behalf of both large and small bus operators. Many even said that Merv had a back door into the Transport Division where he “assisted” in many decisions! He was awarded life membership of the BPA in 1990. Merv also served on the advisory committee for the National Road Transport Committee at its formation in 1991, responsible for important reforms in the Australian heavy vehicle sector.

Merv was a recipient of the Order of Australia medal in 1981 for his outstanding service to the Tasmanian bus industry and community; a 50 Year Service award from the Premier of Tasmania in 1988 for his tireless service to the Bus & Coach industry - an industry that recognised his continual selfless work.

Ace Coaches was split up in 2006, after Mervyn’s death, with the school services sold to O’Driscoll Coaches.