our history
WHO WE ARE
Johan Ferreira Sr., born in 1934, spent 18 years as a schoolteacher in Namibia. In 1971, he made the decision to venture into the transportation industry and established a passenger bus company with just one bus, which he named “Central Bus Service.” Over the course of five years, the business grew to operate five buses and underwent a name change to “Windhoek Bus Service.”
In 1979
Mr. Ferreira initiated a second passenger bus company in Cape Town, South Africa, naming it “Intercape.” Initially, the company provided shuttle services exclusively between Cape Town airport and the City Centre.
In 1986
Intercape successfully obtained intercity permits to transport passengers between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It was during this year that Johann Ferreira Jr. joined his father at Intercape.
In 2008
Johann Ferreira Jr. acquired full ownership of Intercape by purchasing 100% of its shares from the Ferreira family trust. He subsequently assumed management control of the company.
Since 2008
Intercape’s carefully selected team has successfully established a comprehensive route network across Southern Africa, focusing on Safety, Dependability, and Affordability. This unwavering commitment has solidified Intercape’s position as a leader in its areas of expertise.
Shortly before the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in South Africa, the intercity coach transport sector began to exhibit signs of weakness.
Subsequently, Greyhound, followed by Eldos’s coaches and several smaller operators, closed their doors in 2023. As a result, the travelling public was left with limited reliable options.
Leveraging their expertise and existing infrastructure, the concept of Big Sky Intercity was conceived as an addition to the Intercape range of services, maintaining the same values, vision, and safety record. The Big Sky Intercity fleet matches the quality and standards of the Intercape fleet, offering the public the familiar level of service they have come to expect over the past 45 years.
With a diverse selection of routes, the South African public can rest assured that they will not be left stranded. So, sit back, relax, and let Big Sky Intercity safely transport you to your next destination.
what we stand for
OUR CULTURE & VALUES
Big Sky Intercity strives to improve the mobility of people across Southern Africa and to be their intercity transport operator of choice. As such, we are dedicated to delivering a safe, dependable and affordable road transport service to all people, irrespective of race, gender, age, religion or the like.
As a company however, we hold to, promote and conduct our business in accordance with the Christian faith and values. It is our firm belief that God’s purpose for our company is to be more than just a carrier of passengers. It is our joy and privilege to be a carrier of the good news that Jesus Christ saves, and to bring His hope to the nation and the continent.
Purpose
To improve the mobility of people in South Africa and to provide an acceptable return on investment to its owners in order to build God´s Kingdom on earth.
Mission
To provide safe, dependable and affordable intercity road-passenger transport in South Africa by focusing our resources. We will meet the changing needs of our passengers with absolutes of integrity, efficiency and professionalism. We will grow the company through the grace and guidance of God, by our commitment to the advancement of our people and the Kingdom of God on earth, and by winning our laurels honourably through fair trading and exceptional effort.
Shareholders Vision
To spread the message of hope, repentance and restoration across the land and beyond, to give a perishing people in despair the good news of Jesus Christ and salvation through Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14. “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.
BIG SKY INTERCITY VISION
To maintain and grow BIG SKY INTERCITY as the intercity transport operator of choice in Southern Africa. Through profitable trading and acting as a change agent, BIG SKY INTERCITY will strive to assist in the establishment of a stable, peaceful, democratic and law abiding society in which it could sustainability exist in the future.
Values
Quality
We believe in growing and developing our product by offering an innovative and “can do” attitude without compromising quality.
Caring for people
Our passenger´s safety is of utmost importance to us. We take every possible precaution to ensure that we transport them safely and comfortably. We choose our products to enhance our passenger´s comfort and wellbeing.
Humility
We shall always show respect and be respectful. We shall treat and serve all with humbleness and dignity.
Safety and Dependability
We are totally committed to fulfilling the promises we make to our stakeholders. We can be relied upon to provide the agreed product and service on time and according to the highest standards on safety.
Ethics
We are doing business by THE BOOK. Doing the right things for the right reasons will produce honourable results. Respect for self and for others cost nothing but if you lose it, it costs you everything.
Teamwork
Our business is about moving people by people. Teamwork and the coordination thereof is what make our business different from our competitors. There is no “I” in teamwork.
