Coach

Southern Discoveries has launched a multi-language commentary app for its Queenstown to Milford Sound coach journeys.

The West Coast may be recovering fast from the pandemic but not all parts of its tourism economy have rebounded, according to Entrada Group.

The major ITO says a strong recovery allows investment to help meet changing customer preferences.

Distinction Christchurch has taken the top spot in two categories at Grand Pacific Tours’ Supplier and Crew Awards this year.

InterCity is wrapping up its loyalty programme at the end of August.

Around 200 delegates are expected to attend the Bus and Coach Association’s 2023 conference in Christchurch at the Wolfbrook Arena this September.

Southern Discoveries says the sale of its Spirit of Queenstown vessel to RealNZ will enable it to invest in its Milford Sound cruises and coach operations.

NZTA’s public transport manager, Delaney Myers, will lead the association from July.

The new rules boost the residence pathway for skippers, deckhands and bus drivers coming to work under the AEWV.

The interim CEO says the recovery is patchy although some operators are doing better than expected.

GoBay will resume hourly bus services between Napier and Hastings six days per week from next Monday.

InterCity has resumed its Auckland to Gisborne services and introduced $15 fares to help reconnect Tairāwhiti.

KPMG was engaged to scope interest in the youth and adventure-focused coach business.

Auckland Transport has unveiled the country’s first fully electric bus depot in Panmure.

The group swoops on Torlesse Travel and BOP’s Bethlehem Coachlines.

The Restaurant Association, HCA, and Bus and Coach say their sectors need an estimated 33k workers to meet demand this summer.

In our 2022 Year in Review, we hear from some of tourism’s top stakeholders about the year that was and what’s ahead in 2023.

Ritchies is extending timetabled services on its Queenstown to Wānaka route over the summer.

Entrada Travel Group is reinstating InterCity services on the West Coast from 11 December.

BCA’s Ben McFadgen says the shortage of operators, drivers and coaches is a direct result of the sector being overlooked.

Increasing demand, rising costs, and shortages are putting pressure on the coach network.

The code enables operators to minimise the risks associated with transporting passengers through alpine environments.

The govt’s investment must be made with consistency, fairness and sustainability, says the association.

The industry is struggling with what could be a substantial gap between supply and demand this summer.

The hop-on hop-off Explorer Bus in Auckland is restarting services with three new open-top, double-decker vehicles in fleet as it ramps up capacity to cater for cruise ship passengers visiting the city over the summer.

Masks are no longer required on Metlink’s bus, rail, ferry, and total mobility services, but remain strongly recommended on public transport.

The BCA criticises the government’s new public transport plans as a throwback to the past and a disservice to all those working in the industry.

The operator marks its 20th year with a watchful eye on competition and continual product development as bookings recover.

The Bus and Coach Association has welcomed the government’s “timely” plans to invest $61m to support a skilled, sustainable workforce of bus drivers.

They could heap more costs on tourism businesses but they could also help clear traffic and combat climate change.

Bus and Coach Association acting chief executive Max Dickens said the merger could reduce competition in the bus industry if it proceeded.

Michele Kernahan has been appointed chief executive officer for Ritchies Transport.

Brent Early’s tenure as Leopard Coachlines managing director has come to an end following the company’s acquisition by Canterbury bus company Torlesse Travel, but it is far from the end of the road for him.

After more than 50 years of operating, the company files for voluntary liquidation citing NZ’s border rules as the last straw.

The tourism recovery will require a different way of thinking and working, writes BCA’s Ben McFadgen.

The Bus and Coach Association’s CEO calls for tourism minister Stuart Nash to go.

Wendekreisen Campervan & Motorhome Rental wants the government to provide targeted assistance to the rental vehicle sector.

The Bus and Coach Association is asking for more support from the government as businesses in the sector continue to suffer.

The US investor swoops on the Kiwi business, which runs tour group and charter services as well as commuter and school routes.

InterCity is operating on a reduced schedule until 11.59pm tonight under the governments 48-hour travel window.

Go Bus has acquired Invercargill-based McDermott Coachlines.

Bus and rail services have recommenced at Puhinui Station in Papatoetoe after a $69m revamp.

Metlink seeking operator for new service.

Dealing with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the consequences of the government’s decarbonisation agenda are the top priorities for the Bus & Coach Association’s new chief executive.

Leopard Coachlines director Brent Early says his business is suffering and the govt has abandoned the industry.

Association head says members forced to sell coaches to keep business afloat.

Bus & Coach Association acting chief executive Alex Voutratzis calls on the Government to do more to protect not just tourism but the communities the sector supports.

A coach operator that had its airline transport contract terminated by the government and handed to a competitor is calling for fair treatment.

Hassle-free Tours built back better and bigger after the quakes but Covid is a different challenge.

The coach tour company involved in a crash that saw 20 Chinese visitors injured, two of them severely, has gone into liquidation.