Uncertain road in front of direct bus to Auckland

A final decision is yet to be made about the future of ManaBus.com in Whangarei. Photo / Michael Cunningham

After only six months in the Whangarei market the future of the ManaBus.com direct route to Auckland is unclear.

A person close to the company told the Northern Advocate the route between Whangarei and Auckland was understood to be under threat.

ManaBus.com managing director Hamish Nuttal was unavailable yesterday afternoon but a spokesman who was in contact with him said Mr Nuttal declined to comment.

"Because the final decision has not been made on the matter he can't comment," the spokesman said.

As of last night, tickets were still available on the company's website for dates over the next month.

Three bus drivers work for the company on the Auckland-Whangarei route which has three return trips daily.

Speculation over the route's future comes after the company essentially merged with Nakedbus.com, following the acquisition by Sir Brian Souter of Souter Holdings.

In a press release following the acquisition on May 21, Sir Brian, a UK businessman, said the companies would continue under their own brands but integrate timetables over the next few months. Mr Nuttal, founder of Nakedbus.com, undertook the managing director role of both bus companies.