One of NSW oldest surviving government buses has been returned to its former glory, with the Sydney Bus Museum officially unveiling the beautifully restored White Bus 1030 at the Australasia Bus & Coach Show in Sydney on Wednesday 15 July. 

The restoration was officially unveiled by The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Roads & Regional Transport, recognising the significance of the project in preserving the State's rich transport heritage. 

White Bus 1030 was built in 1926 on an imported White 50B chassis from Cleveland, Ohio, and fitted with a Smith & Waddington timber body built in Camperdown, Sydney. It began life with Sir Frederick Stewart's Metropolitan Omnibus Transport Company before entering Government service in 1933. It later passed through several owners before being acquired for preservation, eventually finding a permanent home at the Sydney Bus Museum. 

The restoration represents decades of dedication by the Museum's volunteer team, who painstakingly rebuilt the vehicle using traditional craftsmanship and historically accurate components to recreate one of the earliest examples of government bus transport in New South Wales. 

White 1095 – twin to 1030, travelling over the Pyrmont Bridge in 1933 – Hal Woodward Collection

Transport Heritage NSW is proud to have supported the project through the NSW Government's Transport Heritage Grants Program, contributing over $15,000 throughout the restoration. Grant funding assisted with the manufacture of replica windows, seating, specialised rear body panels, and replacement wheels and tyres, helping ensure the restoration remained faithful to the original design. 

The completion of White Bus 1030 is a powerful example of what can be achieved through the commitment of volunteers, supported by targeted government investment in heritage conservation. 

Transport Heritage NSW congratulates everyone at the Sydney Bus Museum whose passion, skill and perseverance have brought this remarkable 100-year-old vehicle back to life. Their work ensures an important chapter in New South Wales' transport history will continue to educate and inspire future generations. 

For more information on the Transport Heritage Grants Program, visit the Grants Program Page