Just for fun: How Gatton Bus Service in the Lockyer Valley went ‘TikTok viral’

The team at a southwest Queensland transport service never imagined becoming a viral sensation when they filmed their first TikTok. Here’s why audiences just can’t get enough of their original content.

Drivers from Gatton Bus Service have become internet sensations with the transport services videos aimed at entertaining staff and students. Photo: TikTok/Gatton Bus Service

A family-owned business in the Lockyer Valley has quickly become a viral sensation, growing quite the online following via TikTok.

In late 2022 staff at Gatton Bus Service began filming quirky, fun videos with their bus drivers as a source of entertainment.

One of their most recent videos jumping on board of the #idoubtit trend has now gained more than 2.5 million views and almost 300,000 likes.

@gattonbus Think you can stop what we do? #idoubtit #schoolbusdriversoftiktok #gattonbusservice #schoolbus #busesinbusiness #schoolbusdriver #thespark ♬ The Spark - Kabin Crew

Gatton Bus Service administrator Madellyn Alderton is not only the first port of call for the business but also the one curating their TikTok behind the scenes.

Gatton Bus Service administrator Madellyn Alderton isn't just the first point of call at the business, creating and editing content for their viral TikTok page. Photo: Gatton Star

Influenced by a former driver who happened to be TikTok fluent, and looking to have a bit of fun is what transpired the business to join the trend, Ms Alderton said.

“Sometimes we send our drivers out on charter jobs, so it’s kids that aren’t usually catching the bus and a lot of them will recognise the driver (from TikTok),” Ms Alderton said.

Ms Alderton said it hasn’t been too difficult in persuading the Gatton drivers to participate. Popular with the students on their routes, their videos seem to have had a positive influence in behaviour towards drivers.

“I think it does help to humanise the bus drivers as well and get across to the students that not all bus drivers are grumpy,” she said.

A familiar face in a number of their videos, bus driver Dave said he’s often referred to as a ‘movie star’ when he visits the local newsagency.

Two of the many faces behind and in front of Gatton Bus Service's viral TikTok, administrator Madellyn and bus driver Dave. Photo: Gatton Star

The success of the Gatton drivers videos has students on the Minden route now trying their hardest to persuade their drivers to get in on the fun.

Although a number of people have referred to the videos as ‘great marketing’, Ms Alderton said the videos were purely for fun.

If you’re looking for some lighthearted amusement for all ages, Gatton Bus Service’s TikTok page is sure to deliver.

Originally published as Just for fun: How Gatton Bus Service in the Lockyer Valley went ‘TikTok viral’