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WILKES-BARRE — Martz Trailways has a new look.
During a press conference Thursday, the Martz Group announced a company-wide expansion and rebranding effort. Martz Group chairman, Scott Henry, made the announcement at the Martz Group headquarters in Wilkes-Barre. According to Henry, the rebranding reflects the company’s upgrading of both their services and buses.
Henry said the reason for rebranding was to bring the company up to date and meet the needs of their customers. As part of the rebranding, Henry announced 116 new coaches, new operations in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Florida, and the launch of a new service, Martz Luxury.
“(We’re) ready to change with the times,” Henry said.
As part of the rebranding, the company also unveiled a new logo for Martz.
Janelle Marshallick, corporate marketing and communications coordinator, said the process of choosing a logo took about six months and involved a team of company workers. Marshallick said the logo was an important part of the rebranding process.
“(The) old logo didn’t match with our goals,” Marshallick said, adding the rebranding was a “fresh start.”
Martz spent $58 million on 116 buses over the last three years. The updates on the buses include free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports at each seat. The improvements cater to the younger generation of customers, who Henry said are heavily using buses.
“(The) new generation loves riding buses,” Henry chuckled at the press conference.
Another new feature added for the tech-savvy is the option of E-tickets. Customers no longer need to go to a terminal in person to get tickets. With E-ticketing, once customers purchase tickets online they are able to scan their phones to board the bus. Henry said this feature also helps with keeping their buses safe because it allows them to know in real time who is riding each bus.
Martz launched a new service, Martz Luxury, a new line geared towards small-group traveling to anything from sporting events to wine tours. According to Henry, the service was launched by John Henry, part of the fifth generation of Henrys to work for the company. Martz Luxury will use Mercedes-Benz vehicles that feature Italian leather seats, a refrigeration drawer and media console. Prices for Martz Luxury range from $400 to $1,800.
For Henry, the expansion is all about preserving the family business, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“The bus industry is in a good place (to be) right now,” Henry said.