Wonderful Gillian Ward

Hi! David

Thank you so very much. I just got back to normal life after a long trip and entertaining friends.

We had an absolutely wonderful time with a comfortable bus and perfect weather. Gill was an amazing driver and tour guide she showed us everywhere we must see. My friend's family really enjoyed this tour and studied lots about New Zealand.

Thank you so much again. David and Mitsuko

. . . compliments to the Timaru Link Anticlockwise driver . . .

Just want to say compliments to the Timaru Link Anticlockwise driver on the first run of the day, he was super friendly and helpful. He answered my questions about topping up my Metrocard, noticed that I wasn't a regular on that bus and asked where I was headed, made a bit of conversation along the way, etc. Sorry I didn't catch his name, the only other driver I know is Kirk, everyone knows Kirk, he's amazing, always has a huge smile on his face, goes the extra mile for you, and he likes a bit of banter. Rachel, Timaru Link Commuter

. . . how much I appreciate his consideration for me and my horse . . .

I would love to find out who the school bus driver is that travels down Brockley Road (Fairview area) every day to drop children off at home in the afternoons. (Allan Frewen) For several days I have wanted to let him know how much I appreciate his consideration for me and my horse as we ride down Brockley Road and on numerous occasions this particular driver has slowed right down to avoid spooking my horse, sometimes even stopping and waiting patiently for us to pass far enough that he can feel confident in taking off without worrying my horse. Fortunately my horse is not in the least bit worried about traffic, but I would love for this driver to know just how much he is appreciated by myself and for all I know there are other horse riders he passes with the same care and consideration. If someone could please let me know if the driver receives this compliment that would be fantastic. Kind regards, Becca Black (and Skybee)

. . . a big thank you to your drivers . . .

Just wanted to say a big thank you to your drivers for driving us around the businesses today, As always, they were really good and always where they were meant to be when they were meant to be! It makes the day run so much smoother having the buses there and being able to hop on and off! Many thanks! Lou Heenan, Pathways, Careers Coordinator, Roncalli School

. . . he would go so far as to help the kids put their ski boots on . . .

just had to email you to commend you on your bus drivers, we’ve had so many Ritchies buses up here this winter and the drivers are always so helpful and nice. There was one driver in particular (David Horne) his last trip was on Tuesday, he would go so far as to help the kids put their ski boots on and assist our ski school in getting the kids into lessons! I drive my child into school each morning so often get caught behind the buses coming up here and without fail they will pull over and let me pass (it’s a skinny gravel road to the ski field). Anyway, just had to say well done, you have some great drivers on your staff. Kylie Murrell, Roundhill Ski Area

. . . thanks so much for a superb trip . . .

On behalf of the T and C Social Section I would like to pass on our thanks for our trip to the night trots last Friday night. From booking the bus via emails to the trip itself it was all a pleasure to deal with Ritchies. We would especially like you to pass on our thanks to our driver Barry Wood, he was very professional in his work from greeting us at the Club prior to our departure right through to safely getting us back home to Timaru. Nothing was a bother to him along the way including dropping us off and picking us up from the stop on the way North to the departure from the races. Once again thanks so much for a superb trip, everyone on the bus was full of praise for him. We will be back to use your services in the future. Ally Lester, Social Section, Timaru Town and Country Club

During the early evening of Monday 8 March . . .

. . . a driver from Ritchies Transport, Terry Dillon, discovered the Northern giant petrel fledgling in a paddock beside a Z truck stop, directly across the road from a Ritchies Transport Depot. After observing the giant petrel wasn’t well, Terry did the right thing by phoning DOC’s emergency hotline. The giant petrel was emaciated, weak and could not fly. It clearly required medical attention. We really appreciate Terry ensuring DOC was made aware about the bird. He gave the bird water and looked after it for about an hour and a half until I arrived. I cared for the bird overnight in Timaru, before arranging for another DOC ranger to drive the bird to the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital the next day. We look forward to being able to release it once it has fully recovered. Marcus Gibbs, Special Projects Communications Advisor, Department of Conservation

. . . They are great communicators and go the extra mile . . .

Ritchies Transport has supplied school transport services to the Aoraki School Transport Network (ASTN) for over 10 years. We have always found them to be very professional and exceptionally easy to work with. The current Management team of Arnold and David have always put the safe and efficient transport of our school children as their number one priority. They are great communicators and go the extra mile. Kerri Graham, Aoraki School Transport Network

On behalf of the Ara students we would like to thank you . . .

. . . for your massive generosity in organising and helping to run such a successful two days at Level's. All the students are still buzzing with excitement and they are in awe of you all for the effort and generosity of people and equipment for their benefit. They said they enjoyed being with so many different experts in the industry who made them feel welcome and free to ask any questions without feeling dumb. They appreciate all advice given and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I would like to add a special thank you to Richies for sending Roy, once again, with your buses and himself immaculately presented. He does a First class job of representing Richies in his smart uniform. He was a big hit with everyone both for his humour, his wisdom, enthusiasm, and advice. As I result, I now have 5 students who have applied for their Passenger endorsements. I was thrilled to see them all making the most of the opportunity and very proud of them for all passing their class 2 tests. Thank you. Christine Jones, Tutor/Assessor, NZ Certificate in Commercial Road Transport(heavy Vehicle Operator)