Bus Co has big plans for travel up north
28 January 2008
By MIKE DINSDALE
NATIONAL transport company NZ Bus has moved into Northland, buying long- established firm Adams Traveline and promising to increase services and possibly move into public transport.
NZ Bus chief executive Bruce Emson said the company bought Adams on January 14 and was excited about the opportunities the purchase brought.
Adams was set up by Peter and Kay Adams 22 years ago, but with Mr Adams passing away four years ago the time was right to sell, Mrs Adams said.
``Nobody in the family was really keen to take it on and it's hard to do it on your own, so it was time to move on,'' she said.
The sale price was not revealed.
Adams has 26 buses, including nine specifically built for the company's charter business, and 17 drivers.
Mrs Adams said it was important that all the existing staff were retained by NZ Bus, which the company had agreed to.
Mrs Adams will retain, and hopefully expand, the Travel Club service she operates, which takes bus tours around the country.
``It has been a pleasure to serve the Northland community for the last 22 years,'' she said.
``I am confident that the experience and expertise that NZ Bus brings will ensure that our customers continue to experience the very best in customer service, comfort and reliability.''
NZ Bus spokesman Steve Wade said the company was setting up local bus services in other cities around New Zealand, and buying Adams was a logical step.
Mr Wade said the company would look at expanding the Adams' services, particularly charters, and would look at getting into providing a public transport service in Whangarei.
Mr Emson said Adams is a well-performing business which is well respected by its customers, so the company was naturally interested in buying it.
``This is a sound commercial decision and one which fits well with our plans for growth,'' he said.
Mr Emson said providing public transport services is about listening to and serving people in the community.
``We are looking forward to being an involved and contributing member of the local community and focusing on the needs of the people we serve.''
NZ Bus operates bus operations in the greater Auckland and Wellington region, and owns and operates Fullers Ferries (Auckland) which operates on the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.
It has been owned by New Zealand-based infrastructure investment company Infratil since 2005. The company's assets include over 1000 buses and nine ferries.
Copyright 2008 APN New Zealand Ltd - Regionals. All Rights Reserved Source: Northern Advocate
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