Business Central September 2020

| 79 Volume 5 | Issue 3 TRASNPORT » Uzabus Tour firm looking to local boost for summer Uzabus provides school and urban passenger services throughout the greater Bay of Plenty, Horowhenua/Manawatu and Kapiti regions, along with charter and tour bus services in the North and South Islands. J ustin Allan, Managing Director of passenger transport services business Uzabus says that while recent events have thrown the company a ‘curved ball’, by prioritising communication with its team of around 300 staff, everyone has coped well and very much looking forward to delivering customers the full array of services. “Covid-19 and all that the restrictions under vari- ous levels bought us has had a significant impact, particularly with our in-bound services once the borders closed, however we are very optimistic that we’re poised ready to resume delivering our range of services just as soon as possible. The company provides school and urban passen- ger services throughout the greater Bay of Plenty, Horowhenua/Manawatu and Kapiti regions, along with charter and tour bus services in the North and South Islands, supplied through its fleet of 250-plus vehicles. Justin can’t speak highly enough of how the company’s drivers, who have continued to supply essential transport services through all alert levels, have delivered exceptional care to their passengers, many of whom felt a degree of apprehension. “We ensured throughout the lockdown that our systems, protocols and fleet offered a safe working environment for our drivers and for passengers using the services. “I’m very proud of the standard of profes- sionalism our drivers displayed and the care they provided customers.” Asked what he looks for in driver candidates Justin says its about personality and the ability to engage with passengers just as much it is about driver qualifications and skills. “Our tour drivers in particular are often the face of the country for overseas guests so they have to be positive people who enjoy engaging with a wide range of people.” Justin is hoping that while restrictions remain in place, preventing international tour passengers, there will be a fresh wave of local travellers, keen to see New Zealand. “Our tour drivers in particular are often the face of the country for overseas guests so they have to be positive people who enjoy engaging with a wide range of people.” Sue Russell “We live in a wonderful country and traditionally a large number of us have not travelled this country extensively, choosing instead to travel overseas. We’re expecting a surge in locals wanting to invest in and support regional recovery by touring.” The history of the company is interesting too! Uzabus is an amalgamation of seven independent passenger transport service businesses throughout the regions they operate in. Justin says this amalgamation and the rebrand- ing of the collective to Uzabus in 2002 gave the company a solid business foundation, strategic advantages and gone a long way towards securing its future. “The transport sector is one that is continually evolving and coping with changes and with a com- bined 200-plus years’ experience we are confident our future is positive.” Justin is also keen to acknowledge the signifi- cant positive impact the whole public transport sector has played in helping to maintain critical services during the pandemic crisis. “There’s a real feeling of responsibility we carry as passenger transport operators to keep our pas- sengers safe and secure. “We’re all looking forward to getting back to how things were in pre-Covid days.” Unique Tours, part of Uzabus, offers guided coach tours in the North and South Islands, along with shorter tours. Justin says that when the Australasian bubble is established, tours to destinations such as Tasmania, Adelaide/Murray River and on The Ghan will recom- mence. Meanwhile he says he is looking forward to visiting the regional depots and catching up with key staff. “We’ve managed with video conferencing to re- main connected and up-to-date, but it will be great to visit sites in person again.”