ManaBus.com invests $10.5m for double decker fleet

A $10.5 million investment from ManaBus.com will see 15 new buses, including 13 double-decker vehicles that will provide a unique mode for travelling around North Island roads. The new additions to the fleet will be launched over the next 12 months, with a new bus hitting the road on 21 January.

ManaBus.com operates as part of the InMotion Group and runs approximately 700 long-distance and 1,500 short-haul bus journeys through the North Island per year.

ManaBus.com CEO Sheryll Otway said it was important that the company use a local manufacturer for the builds, and is thrilled to have partnered with Tauranga-based Kiwi Bus Builders for the fleet upgrade.

"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. 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 additions to the fleet offer more spacious layouts including scenic top deck seating, additional table configurations and robust Wi-Fi so travellers can stay connected throughout the journey.

The new double decker buses take 65 passengers and include a new layout with additional tables for passenger convenience and comfort. All of the buses have reclining seats, power and usb outlets at every seat, free wi-fi, on-board toilets and are also wheelchair-friendly.

"It is important to listen to the people that are the most important to our business - our customers," said Sheryll.

In a further effort to make their buses more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly, all 15 of the new buses in the fleet will meet EURO 5 emission standards.

The investment comes on the back of a successful first year (ManaBus.com launched in November 2014), taking 240,567 passengers a total of 1,062,880 kilometres around the North Island. The company also acquired nakedbus.com in May 2015.

ManaBus.com currently offers fares starting from $1, making travel more accessible and also enticing passengers to book further in advance. The company will continue to offer one $1 seat on every journey.

"We do not plan to increase the average prices for the new fleet…$1 fares are absolutely a success as it has given a lot of people the chance to travel," Otway said.

ManaBus.com recently announced an increase in the frequency of travel around the North Island in September 2015 to help meet the demands of their customers.

The ManaBus.com fleet upgrade represents a continued commitment to improvements from InMotion Group, who also own Fullers ferries, Howick & Eastern and Reesby bus services among other transport interests, with a $16 million investment in two new ferries for Fullers’ Waiheke to Auckland service also announced recently from the group.