To compete with airlines, bus companies invest in deals
Depending on the date of purchase, the discount can reach 60%.
Save up to 20% on international tickets stimulated market.
To compete with airlines, bus companies have also decided to invest in promotions. Depending on the date of purchase, the discount can reach 60%. Discounts up to 20% on international airfares stimulated the market and, since April, sales of packaged soared 30% more, compared to the same period in 2008.
Not to be outdone, the companies make deals on domestic flights. In some cases, air travel is cheaper than the bus. This is the case who is from Belo Horizonte to Sao Paulo, for example. The airfare can be found for $ 120; bus bed, goes for $ 146. From Belo Horizonte to Salvador, the difference is minimal. By plane, the ticket goes for $ 180, common bus, R $ 179.54.
Now, the bus companies decided to react. It is an attempt to attract passengers in low season. May and June are months of the few departures and arrivals in the road. With discounts, the companies expect to achieve even those who do not usually travel by bus. "Every time you practice a different rate, you feel that gives a warm market," says the manager of a bus company, Julio Cesar de Assis.
The move to Campinas $ 80 went for $ 33, but the housewife Helena Morata made the purchase a month ago. "The more I get more discount advance," he says.
In a company of 40 seats, ten are promotional. "Two seats with 60%, 25% with three and five seats, with 10%," said the supervisor of the bus company, Claudilene Carvalho.
In another, all seats are up to 47% cheaper. Who makes the choice of earth spends more time traveling, in compensation. "The discount in your pocket is too good," added the pensioner, Lydia Maria de Melo.
