FlixBus has signed a five-year partnership with First Bus to launch additional UK coach services.
This partnership will deploy 21 new vehicles on eight new or expanded routes across England.
With this rollout, FlixBus is further expanding its UK network, which has already provided over five million passengers with affordable coach travel since its launch in 2021.
Now, the company is set to double its UK network size by the end of the summer of 2025, with over 200 FlixBus vehicles expected to be in operation.
Andreas Schorling, FlixBus Managing Director UK said:Three years ago we set out to be the market leader in the UK. We’ve experienced unprecedented passenger demand and strong commercial success, and, as we onboard operators like First Bus, market leadership is becoming inevitable.
This is a golden era for coach travel where new modern, comfortable vehicles provide an enjoyable experience that passengers love. This is a renaissance for coach travel, and we see record numbers of people trying and returning to FlixBus.
The partnership with First Bus will significantly expand FlixBus’ daily services across the South-West of England. In addition, it will provide more services in northern cities including Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle.
These new services will operate from First Bus depots in Bath, Bristol, Slough, Taunton, Truro, Weston-super-Mare and in Yorkshire.
Andrew Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer for First Bus said:The new partnership with FlixBus marks another significant milestone in growing the First Bus B2B operation and we’re excited to serve further regions in the UK, helping to make longer distance travel easier.
This new contract will create around 70 jobs and strengthen our national footprint as we renew our presence in the contract express coach market segment.
As part of this partnership, First Bus is purchasing 21 Yutong GT12 express coaches. The company will also recruit 65 new drivers across seven First Bus depots.
Under the contract, First Bus will provide staff, vehicle-related requirements and service delivery. Meanwhile, FlixBus will provide the platform for passengers.
The new routes will launch from spring 2025. The coaches will feature the full FlixBus livery, including driver uniforms.
