More Bus Services Following Overlander's Demise

26 July 2006

Intercity Coachlines Ramps Up Services Following Cancellation Of Overlander Train Service

InterCity plans to increase the number of its services following Tranz Scenic’s announcement that it will no longer run the Overlander Train between Auckland and Wellington, effective September 30, 2006.

While the Overlander Train currently runs two services daily, InterCity has a total of 64 services operating between Auckland and Wellington per week. This will increase to 66 services per week as of September 30, 2006. The service that runs via the King Country will also increase to a daily service which will increase capacity by 25 per cent.

“During the recent strike action we provided an additional 61 services over the two-week period. Moving forward, we will review customer demand levels and then add more services if necessary,” said Daniel Rode, sales and marketing manager at InterCity Group.

Two of InterCity’s new mega coaches will be operating on the Auckland to Wellington route within the next two weeks. At almost 14 metres long and 4.2 metres high, the double-decker coaches stand about the same height as three cars stacked on top of each other and are the largest passenger vehicles on New Zealand’s roads. The king-size 65-seat coaches are two of four coaches InterCity Group has commissioned to cope with growing demand across New Zealand and represent an investment of over $2.5million.

“On the Auckland to Wellington route these coaches will be able to carry 30 per cent more passengers using 15 per cent less fuel every year, connecting even more people to various destinations throughout the North Island,” said Mr Rode. “We are confident we can add sufficient capacity quickly to ensure domestic travellers and our international visitors have access to public transport options between the two major centres,” said Mr. Rode.

100 per cent Kiwi owned and operated, InterCity Group has invested more than $10 million dollars during the past three years to enhance, maintain and invest in its national network infrastructure, which connects more than 600 urban and rural communities.

Limited fares are available from as low as $10 between Auckland and Wellington with regular fares from $70 per adult on the overnighter.

InterCity Coachlines is New Zealand’s only long distance passenger transport system for the majority of communities throughout New Zealand. Nationwide it carries 1.2 million passengers each year, including over 350,000 international visitors, and operates 130 daily services to 600 cities and towns.

ENDS

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