FlixBus has announced it will begin operating a domestic service in Canada from 7 April 2022.
FlixBus will offer an express route between Ottawa and Toronto and a line between Niagara Falls and Toronto, which will include a stop in St. Catharines. In addition, FlixBus will operate a more comprehensive local line, with stops at the University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Mississauga and Toronto.
These domestic routes within Ontario are the first phase of FlixBus’s planned expansion in Canada, which will deliver cross-border routes to and from the US from summer 2022.
Tickets go on sale on 24 March. As a special offer for new Canadian customers, FlixBus will offer 4.99 CAD fares from 24 March to 6 April.
André Schwämmlein, Founder and CEO of FlixBus, said:FlixBus is making sustainable bus travel comfortable, affordable and easy-to-use for everyone. Our success in Europe and the ongoing growth in the US, Brazil, and now Canada, proves that with a smart business approach and a great product, FlixBus can globally change the way people travel and help them discover the benefits of shared, green intercity bus transportation.
The Ontario intercity bus market was deregulated in 2021, making it possible for new providers to enter the market. FlixBus consequently hopes to provide Canadians with new options for eco-friendly travel in Canada.
FlixBus will offer new buses, free wifi, power outlets at every seat, carbon-neutral ticketing options and tech options like the FlixBus App to encourage more passengers to choose the bus.
Pierre Gourdain, Managing Director of FlixBus North America, said:Ontario is a dream bus market with some of North America’s most vibrant cities and we are immensely happy to begin building connections here. We also hope, the service will offer Ontarians a financial reprieve in a context of rising gas prices with a green alternative to help riders re-discover this wonderful province.
The FlixBus network is comprised of and driven by local bus partners. The new Canadian network will be operated by Gallexy Tours, the company’s first local Canadian partner.
Gallexy Tours has been serving the city of Toronto for the past 20 years, primarily providing charter services.
Dilan Jey with Gallexy Tours said:We could not be more proud or excited to partner with FlixBus on the launch of the Canadian market. FlixBus came to us with a vision for what the future of intercity bus travel will look like. Together, we have a unique opportunity to re-shape how passengers travel. Now after planning and preparing throughout COVID for this moment, we are ready for the main event which is to provide new transportation for travellers in Canada and eventually connect passengers between the US and Canada.
