nakedbus.com releases 12,000 free tickets

Tuesday 21st February 2012
Press Release: nakedbus.com
For immediate release

12,000 FREE tickets for long distance travel during May and June.

Low cost long distance bus services are growing fast in New Zealand reversing a long period of stagnation. Nakedbus.com contributed a 47% boost in travellers this year as customers opted 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.

"Long distance 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. On routes such as Auckland to Wellington travellers are forsaking air travel for environmentally friendly and affordable bus travel.

To further stimulate demand nakedbus.com is offering 12,000 seats in May and June for free*. "We want to put bus travel in front of a wider audience, as once customers sample our services they rarely go back," says Hamish Nuttall CEO. On busy days there will be at least one free fare on each bus, while on quieter days there will be several free seats on each bus.

Growth in customer numbers has allowed the company to introduce many more services in the last 12 months 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.

The company went 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," says Nuttall. "We are glad to play our part in reducing travellers' carbon footprint. Not only that, it allows Kiwis and visitors to connect to their loved ones or see our beautiful country, at a price they can finally afford."

*booking fee applies, excludes airport services. On sale until 6 March, unless sold out prior. For travel between 1 May and 24 June 2012.

Book all tickets online at www.nakedbus.com

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Notes to editors:
nakedbus.com is New Zealand's low cost long distance bus service. It started operations in September 2006.

Its buses travel more than 5 million kilometres a year on a nationwide network reaching from Invercargill to KeriKeri.

It offers daily services across the network with prices starting at $1 plus booking fee.
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