ManaBus.com, part of the Souter Investments empire, has launched a new express city to city coach service in New Zealand.
With five express routes initially serving nine destinations in the North Island, ManaBus.com is offering great value tickets starting from $1 plus a $1 booking fee with no hidden costs.
Destinations covered by Sir Brian Souter’s new service will include Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Wellington and Whangarei.
Passengers benefit from a fleet of brand new luxury double deck coaches offering air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, at-seat power, reclining leather seats and on-board toilets. The vehicles are low floor and accessible for those with limited mobility.
Complementary catering and refreshments will also be available on selected journeys. The service has directly created 70 new jobs across the North Island.
The new service supplements existing Souter Holdings public transport businesses in New Zealand, which include Howick and Eastern Buses, Mana Coach Services and Fullers Group.
Sir Brian said: “We are delighted to add ManaBus.com to our portfolio of Kiwi and global transport businesses. New Zealand is a great country to do business and invest in.
“We see enormous potential to grow the express city to city coach market by offering great value, high quality and customer-focussed services.
“Our experience from many successful years of operation in the UK, North America, Poland and Finland has demonstrated that there is a demand for fast, modern and innovative city to city, express coach travel.
We firmly believe that the introduction of new products and services, offering the consumer more choice at affordable prices, will grow the total public transport market and encourage modal shift from the private car.”
Geoff Norman, CEO of ManaBus.com said: “We believe that customers will love ManaBus.com’s city centre to city centre connections and mix of excellent customer service, high quality luxury coaches and reliable, consistent operations, all at great value low fares.”
Bill Rae, Chairman of Souter Holdings New Zealand said: “ManaBus.com offers a new alternative to travellers in New Zealand and that will include everyone, from students to senior citizens and from leisure travellers to businesspeople and commuters.”
The new service supplements existing Souter Holdings public transport businesses in New Zealand, which include Howick and Eastern Buses, Mana Coach Services and Fullers Group.
ManaBus.com services will commence on November 21. Full timetable details are available at www.manabus.com, where passengers can buy ticket. Customers are encouraged to book early to secure the best deal.