THE sale of Fearnes Coaches was confirmed yesterday, with Sydney-based Busabout acquiring the iconic Wagga bus company.Speculation Fearnes Coaches was poised to change hands gathered momentum earlier this week, with Tuesday’s Advertiser revealing details of the possible sale. The deal, which was finalised at 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, signals the end of an era following the Fearnes family’s 92-year association with the bus company. “We are pleased to have served the community for the last 92 years and are extremely confident that the incoming operators, Busabout, will continue to provide excellent service,” family spokesperson Audrey Fearne said.“They are experienced third-generation bus operators and were the only logical choice when our family decided to retire.”New owner, Joe Calabro, and his brother Tony were in Wagga yesterday.They introduced themselves to their new employees over a barbecue lunch at the Fearnes depot with positive feedback from workers.“They were very friendly. It’s business as usual and they said they intended to upgrade the more dated buses in the fleet by Christmas. They said jobs are safe,” one source said.The Calabros would not comment directly to the Advertiser but issued a written statement.“It gives our company great pleasure to buy such an icon as Fearnes,” he said.“We look forward to serving the Wagga and Harden community for many years to come.”