For over six decades, the local company has been in operation, evolving from a mere two buses to a remarkable fleet of over 80. Originally established in 1939 by a local individual named Tom Hadfield at Eastern Beach, the company was initially known as Eastern Buses. After a year, it relocated to Bucklands Beach. Although Tom Hadfield passed away in 1952, his legacy endured, and with each passing year, the company experienced continuous growth. In 1962, Eastern Buses acquired Howick Buses, resulting in a combined fleet of 21 vehicles.

The family business has witnessed three generations leaving their mark on its operations. Tom's daughter, Audrey Dalbeth, her husband Lionel, and their son Bill have all been part of the company's workforce. Audrey assumed the role of Company Director in 1963, while Bill took on the position of Company Manager in 1994. According to Audrey, her father was a compassionate and fair-minded individual who valued listening to others.

Jack Wells, who managed the business between 1955 and 1995, concurred with this sentiment, cherishing fond memories of Tom Hadfield as a likable and diligent man. Jack remarked, "Tom was known for his integrity, never assigning tasks he wouldn't undertake himself. He had worked his way up through the ranks." Bill attributes the present-day success of the company to six decades of hard work, forward-thinking, and the flourishing of the southeast region. Jack continued to manage the company from 1955 until the Dalbeth family sold it in 2008.

By that time, the fleet had expanded to 130 buses. The purchaser was Sir Brian Souter, a transportation magnate from Scotland, representing Souter Holdings Limited. Despite the change in ownership, the business maintains its independence and continues to operate autonomously.