nakedbus.com
ParentInMotion Group
Founded2006
Ceased operation15 July 2018
HeadquartersAuckland
LocaleNew Zealand
Service areaNew Zealand
Service typeIntercity bus service
Chief executiveSheryll Otway
Websitenakedbus.com

nakedbus.com was a provider of low-cost long-distance bus (coachline) transport services around New Zealand. It used concepts such as yield management and no-frills to provide low fares.[1] The company is so-named because "we have stripped out the costs that you don’t need."[2] It is based on British online transport models such as EasyJet[3] and megabus.[4]

Established in October 2006 with services out of Auckland around the North Island,[1] nakedbus.com expanded to the South Island in February 2007.[5]

The business was earlier owned by Hamish Nuttall and Pavlovich Services,[5] and in May 2015 was taken over by ManaBus.com, part of Souter Holdings, owned by Brian Souter.[6] In August 2015 both companies became part of Souter's InMotion Group of New Zealand bus and ferry companies.[7][8]

ManaBus and Naked Bus ceased operation on 15 July 2018, with the bus fleets being sold to Ritchies Transport Holdings,[9] part owner of rival coach company InterCity.

Marketing techniques

Kiwi Bus Builders-bodied Volvo B11R in Rotorua in April 2014

The company provided at least one headline-grabbing NZ$1.00 fare on each service, while "the average fare is equal to 50 percent of the prevailing market fares and all fares beat standard market adult prices by at least 25 percent"[3]

Nakedbus.com reduced overheads by encouraging online bookings but after its purchase by ManaBus.com, customers were able to contact the customer service team by email, Facebook Messenger or phone. Lost property enquiries were dealt with online using a contact form.[10] "99%" of customers do not need to contact the company by phone.[11] Nakedbus does not have terminals.[2]

Operations

nakedbus.com uses transport partners to provide transport throughout New Zealand.

  • ManaBus.com: Long distance, city-to-city travel throughout the North Island
  • Tairua: Local transport servicing the Coromandel
  • InterCity: Local connection options in the North and long distance, city-to-city travel in the South Island

Naked Passport

nakedbus.com offers a 'travel passport' for NZ bus travel. Customers can purchase a Naked Passport with 3, 5, 10, or 20 trips on it and then choose individual bus journeys through New Zealand.

Nakedsleep.com

In December 2010 Nakedbus.com launched Nakedsleep.com, a website selling beds and rooms in backpacker hostels around New Zealand.[12]

References

  1. 1 2 About on nakedbus.com website, retrieved 2009-03-30
  2. 1 2 The Story of Nakedbus.com Article reprinted from NZ Business magazine on a Chamber of commerce website, retrieved 2009-03-30
  3. ↑ "nakedbus.com offers south new stripped-back service". The Southland Times. 6 October 2007. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  4. 1 2 "Cheap fares bus company expands to South Island". The New Zealand Herald. NZPA. 11 February 2007. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  5. ↑ Anthony, John (8 May 2015). "ManaBus buys Nakedbus but brands to remain separate". Stuff. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  6. ↑ "Continued expansion in New Zealand as Souter Holdings becomes InMotion Group". Souter Holdings. 19 August 2015
  7. ↑ "Sir Brian Souter's investment company extends presence in New Zealand". The Herald (Glasgow). 19 August 2015
  8. ↑ Venuto, Damien (21 June 2018). "Fifty jobs on the line as ManaBus and Nakedbus end services". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  9. ↑ Lost Property Archived 5 September 2012 at archive.today on nakedbus.com website, retrieved 2009-03-30
  10. ↑ Why does nakedbus.com have an 0900 number? Archived 29 January 2013 at archive.today on nakedbus.com website, retrieved 2009-03-30
  11. ↑ Nakedsleep.com website
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