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.
 | |
 Kiwi Bus Builders bodied Volvo B11R | |
| Parent | InMotion Group |
|---|---|
| Commenced operation | 21 November 2014 |
| Ceased operation | 15 July 2018 |
| Headquarters | Auckland |
| Service area | North Island |
| Service type | Intercity coach services |
| Website | www.manabus.com |
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.[5]
The buses were outfitted with leather reclining seats (or beds in the sleeper bus), air conditioning, toilet, seatbelts and free Wi-Fi.