New InterCity Mega-Coach to connect Auckland and Wellington
InterCity’s third mega coach service starts this week, in order to cope with growing passenger demand.
The new coach, which is about the same height of three cars stacked on top of each other (14 metres long and 4.2 metres
high), has been put into service on the route between Wellington and Auckland.
Sales and Marketing Manager for InterCity Group Limited, Daniel Rode, said the mega coaches have proved popular with
customers, and enable InterCity to cater for increasing passenger demand, while reducing harm to the environment. “These
coaches are the largest vehicles built in New Zealand for public transport purposes and have the potential to remove
47,000 private motor vehicle journeys from the roads each year.
“We are delighted that we now have this new mega coach in service because it means we can carry 37 per cent more
passengers on this very popular route. The mega coach also operates at levels in line with the highest emissions
standards used in Europe, cutting fuel emissions by 30 per cent,” he said
Furthermore, Mr Rode said the company has a buy kiwi-made policy and these new vehicles were made in Tauranga by Kiwi
Coach Builders.
The new vehicles are part of an ongoing investment by InterCity Group Limited, which aims to better connect New Zealand
for both domestic travellers and international tourists.
100 per cent Kiwi owned and operated, InterCity Group has invested more than $16 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.
“This is the third of four coaches being produced by InterCity, as part of a multi million investment programme to
enhance and maintain national tourism and transport infrastructure,” he said.
The new mega coach service will follow State Highway One with major stops at Hamilton, Taupo, Taihape, Bulls and
Palmerston North. The bus departs Auckland at 9.00am and arrives in Wellington at 8.20pm.The bus then departs Wellington
the following day at 9.00am and arrives in Auckland at 8.20pm.
InterCity currently runs 17 daily services between Auckland and Wellington, making a possible 208 stops.
The new mega coach service can be booked through more than 600 agents throughout New Zealand. Check out
www.intercity.co.nz to book online or check the local white pages for your nearest agent.
InterCity Group carries 1.5 million passengers nationwide each year and operates over 140 daily services to more than
600 towns, cities and communities.
ENDS