ManaBus.com explained

Company Slogan:Fast, Friendly, Affordable
Parent:InMotion Group
Commenced:21 November 2014
Ceased:15 July 2018
Headquarters:Auckland
Service Area:North Island
Service Type:Intercity coach services
Website:www.manabus.com

ManaBus.com[1] was an intercity coach service operator in New Zealand. The company was owned by Brian Souter's InMotion Group.[2] [3] ManaBus and Nakedbus ceased operation on 15 July 2018, with the bus fleets being sold to Ritchies Transport Holdings,[4] part owner of rival coach company InterCity.

History

ManaBus.com commenced operating express coach services on the North Island of New Zealand on 21 November 2014.[5] [6] In May 2015 it took over Nakedbus.[7] On 15 July 2018 ManaBus and Nakedbus ceased operation.[8]

Corporate strategy

Advertised fares started at $1 (plus $1.99 booking fee), using a yield management model as employed by sister companies Megabus, OnniBus and PolskiBus.[9] [10] ManaBus.com operated at a high load factor using yield management pricing and large double decker buses to keep capital cost per seat and fuel burn per seat at low levels, similar to how airlines operate. Founder Brian Souter believed that bus journeys of up to six hours can compete with air travel.[11]

Services

ManaBus.com operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the North Island of New Zealand. Key routes include:[12]

Fleet

ManaBus.com operated a fleet of Kiwi Bus Builders bodied Volvo B11Rs.

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.business.govt.nz/@@fb-searchlite/companydetails/4961839 Companies Office extract company 4961839
  2. http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/SC432205 Companies House extract company no SC432205
  3. "New express bus service". The Dominion Post. 29 August 2014.
  4. News: Fifty jobs on the line as ManaBus and Nakedbus end services . Damien . Venuto . 21 June 2018 . The New Zealand Herald . 22 June 2018 . en-NZ. 1170-0777.
  5. http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8761&categoryid=1 Souter launches low-cost NZ express service
  6. http://www.3news.co.nz/business/manabus-launches-in-north-island-2014103008 ManaBus to launch in North Island
  7. News: ManaBus buys Nakedbus but brands to remain separate . John . Anthony . Stuff . 8 May 2015 . 14 November 2015.
  8. News: ManaBus and Naked Bus to cease services in mid-July. TVNZ.
  9. http://www.souterinvestments.com/news/manabuscom-launches-express-coach-n10162-s11.aspx ManaBus.com Launches Express Coach Service in New Zealand
  10. https://www.manabus.com/news/3Fcy4Pi12oO2MAsUacWUsQ About ManaBus.com
  11. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/20157668/entrepreneur-and-founder-of-stagecoach,-sir-brian-souter Brian Souter interview
  12. http://www.manabus.com/timetable Timetable