Plans to Launch a Revolutionary New Hydrobus

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MEDIA RELEASE
31 March 2008

EMBARGOED UNTIL 1 APRIL 2008

From Land to Water – Intercity Announces Plans to Launch a Revolutionary New Hydrobus

- First of its kind in New Zealand
- Will complete the Cook Strait crossing in approximately one hour
- Continuous travel from land into water
- Fares starting from just $30 each way

InterCity today announced its plans to build the first multi-purpose passenger vehicle in New Zealand.

The plans are finalised and building has begun for the unique HydroBus which is due to begin service on the 1 April 2009.

The vessel, which will operate both on land and on water, is designed with specialist hydrofoils which allow the front to rise up out of the water and become ‘foilborne’ which results in less drag and therefore an increase in speed. Tyres will retract into water-tight cavities during the water crossing to ensure maximum speed is reached during its journey.

Sales and marketing manager for InterCity, Daniel Rode, said this ground-breaking vessel is set to provide travellers with an economical and efficient alternative to cross the Cook Strait.

“InterCity Group provides New Zealand’s largest scheduled national transport and tourism infrastructure and the introduction of the HydroBus is a natural progression for us.

“The new HydroBus will be an exciting alternative which enables passengers to stay on board the entire journey, without disembarking onto separate vessels for the journey across the Cook Strait.

“Due to the smaller size of the vessel and the custom-designed hydrofoils, the HydroBus will cut the journey from Wellington to Picton to approximately one hour.

“The increased speed and drag reduction will ensure the vessel has ideal fuel economy making the journey better for the environment.

“The HydroBus is just the beginning for InterCity and water crossings. We will closely monitor the Cook Strait HydroBus and then make decisions for a potential Tasman crossing,” said Mr Rode.

A Sydney-based company has been selected to begin building the state-of-the-art vessel. This company is also currently working with InterCity Group to build its $10 million small ship, which will offer overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands from September 2009.

Rates for the new crossing route will start from just $30 one way and are expected to be in high demand.

Consumers can book online at www.intercity.co.nz or through more than 600 agents throughout New Zealand. Check the local white pages for your nearest agent.

ENDS

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