Buses a visitor boost for city

Geoff Norman says his company offers affordable fares and great service with the double-decker buses. Photo / Stephen Parker

Direct coach service company ManaBus.com is offering stronger links to and from Rotorua - and better prospects for local drivers.

Company chief executive Geoff Norman said there was a gap in the market for an affordable, quality, direct service to other regions and the main centres of Auckland and Wellington.

"Now the rest of the country can have accessibility to Rotorua both as a destination and a through route. It will be easier to get to Auckland for domestic flights, if they have bought a cheap airfare you can also save in the bus up to Auckland."

Rotorua Visitor Centre and i-Site manager Graham Brownrigg said the new service should increase visitor numbers to the city.

"The company will be operating a different timetable from the other companies which will appeal to many people, and their new double-decker buses should also prove popular with travellers.

"Invariably an increase in services is matched by increased marketing and promotion, particularly in a highly competitive field like this. So we'd expect Mana's new service to result in more visitors to Rotorua - both domestic and international travellers - something which we're certainly looking forward to."

Mr Norman said the company was locally sourcing nine drivers and three bus attendants.

Hana Meihana was one of two female drivers being trained in Rotorua.

"She said she felt positive about her future with the company. It has more to offer in a lot of ways.

"In terms of wage, comfort, training, and assistance.

"The buses are easy to drive and there are great people to work with." Fast travel times, Wi-Fi, charging capabilities and comfort were the company's point of difference, and they were able to sustain low pricing because of the size of the bus, Mr Norman said..

"Our double-decker bus is moving 80 people instead of 50, and we offer refreshments on longer trips."

Every bus has GPS so customers can see how far away their bus is in real time.

Ms Meihana said this was a great advantage for bus drivers.

"When the bus turns up, if it has been late because of an accident or road works, the people will know that's why it was late and will still greet you with a smile," she said.