Sir Brian Souter has brought together two of New Zealand’s leading long distance coach operators creating a comprehensive network of services throughout the North and South Islands.
Sir Brian’s ManaBus.com is taking over Naked Bus. He said: “This is an exciting development for ManaBus.com. It gives us the opportunity to extend our services across New Zealand and bring our value for money fares to many more people.”
Both businesses will continue to operate under their respective brands.
Naked Bus Founder and Chief Executive Hamish Nuttall will be Managing Director of the combined company.
Sir Brian continued: “We expect to carry over 1 million long distance passengers a year. Customers can expect a continuation of the great value for money fares they have come to know and love.
“We hope to continue to grow the market and boost tourism in the towns and cities we serve”.
“The future is bright for the combined operation with eleven new buses due to arrive before the end of the year. This includes five bespoke double-deckers being built by Tauranga-based Kiwi Bus Builders as well as six specialty coaches to serve shorter routes.”
ManaBus.com is part of the Souter Holdings, a New Zealand road transport and ferry business which carries 13 million passengers a year and employs 670 people.
With operations in both Auckland and Wellington, its brands include Howick and Eastern Buses, Mana Coach Services and Waiheke Bus Company as well as ferry companies Fullers Group and 360 Discovery.