Airport shuttle service planned

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 5

Airport shuttle service planned

By

NIGEL MALTHUS

Supershuttle — an airport passenger transport system which has proved a success in Auckland — should be running in Christchurch by the end of the month, says the company’s managing director, Mr Tony McAnulty. The company, which has been in Auckland for about 2 1 /. years, is now advertising for owner-drivers to join its expansion into both Christchurch and Wellington. The service runs a fleet of about 20 vehicles in Auckland, and would need a minimum of 10 in Christchurch, said Mr McAnulty. Mr McAnulty said he had had some trouble explaining the concept to those who had not experienced the Auckland service. It is best described as a cross between a bus and a taxi service, using mini-buses, and priced accordingly. Unlike taxis, the mini-buses will do several pick-ups or drops on each trip. But unlike buses they will not be tied to specific routes or stops. Passengers will be taken between the airport and any

hotel, motel, or business address in the Christchurch metropolitan area. "It’s all about competition and service," said Mr McAnulty. Mr McAnulty was confident of success because of the potential market indicated by Christchurch Airport’s passenger flow of about 2.7 million a year, and the ability to book passengers through the Auckland and Wellington operations. He foresaw the possibility of expanding into direct services between the airport and South Island ski-fields. The service does not need formal approval from the Christchurch International Airport Company. Its only requirement is that the mini-buses use the correct loading zone for passenger vehicles of up to 13 seat capacity. Christchurch’s two established taxi companies would appear to have the most to lose from the competition. The manager of Blue Star Taxis, Mr Kevin Murphy, predicted the new service would fail in Christchurch. “We’re not greatly concerned at this stage,” he said.