Top-deck seats boost comfort on buses
Two new InterCity doubledecker buses starting service this week offer business-class style seats upstairs for long-distance bus passengers.
The new 65-seater InterCity “GOLD” buses will travel daily between Auckland and Wellington from tomorrow, with stops along the way including Hamilton, Cambridge, Tokoroa, Taupo, Bulls and Palmerston North.
Each Scania vehicle has 18 premium seats on the upper level, large leather recliners with individual charge ports and power outlets.
“InterCity GOLD offers the highest level of comfort in long-distance bus travel,” said Sam Peate, InterCity group general manager coachlines and Auckland Tourism.
“With personal charging facilities plus our free mobile WiFi, customers can stay connected throughout their journey.”
Standard seating will also be available on both levels, with standard seats also offering USB charge ports.
Fares start from $1 plus a booking fee for standard seats and the premium seats cost about $15 more.
InterCity launched its premium service in 2014 and has been expanding ever since, with the buses now available in the North and South Islands.
The new buses have more premium seats than on previous vehicles, and are the first with the luxury seats on the upper rather than lower level. The buses cost more than $1.5 million and weigh 15 tonnes.
InterCity offers premium seats on four out of InterCity’s six daily services between Auckland and Wellington.
The premium seats are also available on services between New Plymouth and Wellington and between Picton and Christchurch, with more routes to be announced soon.
Daniel Rode, general manager digital and brand said New Zealanders and overseas tourists were among customers.
“The industry as a whole is experiencing the busiest season on record. These two new vehicles are just part of a multimillion dollar fleet upgrade that we have rolled out over the past 6 months to provide additional capacity.”