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NZs $10 million investment

ManaBus.com orders 13 double-deckers to accelerate New Zealand coach travel business

A $10.5 million investment from ManaBus.com will see 15 new buses, including 13 double-decker coaches come into service in New Zealand’s North Island.

One new coach hits the road this week, while the remainder will be delivered over the next 12 months, courtesy of Kiwi Bus Builders.

“Kiwi Bus Builders is known for quality builds, is reliable and has an innate understanding of all of the many bus building rules that differ from country to country,” ManaBus.com CEO Sheryll Otway says.

“With such a large contract we were determined to ensure we utilised local nous and that the local market benefitted from the investment.”

The new Euro 5 coaches offer more spacious layouts including scenic top deck seating, table-equipped areas and reliable Wi-Fi.

The new double-deckers take 65 passengers and include a new layout including a power source and USB outlets at every seat, on-board toilets and full wheelchair access.

The investment comes on the back of a successful year for ManaBus.com, which launched in November 2014 and has since taken a quarter of a million passengers around the North Island.

The organisation also acquired South Island inter-city operator nakedbus.com in May last year.

Much of the success has been due to smart marketing strategies, offering one fare on each service for just $1, for passengers who book well in advance. 

“We do not plan to increase the average prices for the new fleet,” Otway says.

“The $1 fares are absolutely a success as it has given a lot of people the chance to travel.”

ManaBus.com announced an increase in the frequency of travel around the North Island to meet demand, ahead of the bust summer season in September last year.

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