Long distance bus usage increases by 47%

Friday 23rd December 2011
Press Release: nakedbus.com
For immediate release

nakedbus.com has led the renaissance of long distance bus services in New Zealand with a 47% boost in travellers this year as customers opt to leave their cars behind and surf the internet while travelling. The popularity of long distance bus services has been growing since nakedbus.com introduced its low cost service in 2006.

"Bus travel is now cool," says CEO Hamish Nuttall. "We don't represent the tired old bus image some of our customers remember from 20 years ago. With free Wi-Fi on many services and low prices from $1, we offer a great alternative to driving." In fact, company research shows that 52% of its customers previously travelled by car.

To further stimulate demand nakedbus.com is offering 10,000 seats in February and March at $9.99 plus booking fee. "We asked our customers what they thought a fair price was for these trips and they came back overwhelmingly with $9.99 - and we listened."

Listening is something the company does a lot of. From free Wi-Fi, new services, and low prices, most of the innovation has come from customer requests.

The growth has allowed the company to introduce many more services this year including a shuttle service between Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua, direct services from Tauranga and Rotorua to Wellington and return, more services North of Auckland to Whangarei and Bay of Islands, services from Gisborne to Napier, Palmerston North and Wellington and increased services all around the North Island. Nuttall says that because the changes are customer driven they have all been successful additions to the nationwide network.

It is also putting on special services to Big Day Out for the fifth year in a row. They have proved to be a winner for concert-goers over the past 4 years with the services taking them right to the gates in time for the opening and returning back to their home towns straight after the gig. "People go to have a good time, it's a great event but it's a long day and people like to have a few drinks. So we eliminate the need for driving, and let's face it, we are cheaper than petrol," smiles Nuttall.

The company has gone from strength to strength in 2011, celebrating milestones such as their 1 millionth passenger, their 5th birthday and their low cost accommodation provider, nakedsleep.com's 1st birthday.

"More and more people are moving from their cars," boasts Nuttall. "We are glad to play our part in reducing travellers' carbon footprint. Not only that, it allows Kiwis and visitors to be connected to their loved ones or see our beautiful country, at a price they can finally afford."

Since its introduction in 2006, nakedbus.com has been a game changer for all those who used long distance bus services. Its signature $1 fares (plus booking fee) have been available and wildly popular since day 1. "Our low cost base allows us to deliver these much cheaper prices consistently. The price of traveling around our country has significantly decreased in 5 years, and we are happy to lead the way" says Nuttall.

*plus booking fee. On sale until 17 January, unless sold out prior. For travel between 7 February and 30 March.

Book all tickets online at www.nakedbus.com

ENDS

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