First Bus and FlixBus Launch Five-Year Partnership

First Bus and FlixBus have announced a five-year partnership that will see eight new or expanded coach routes launching across the UK from next year, strengthening long-distance travel options nationwide. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies, with First Bus furthering its reach into the intercity coach market and FlixBus doubling down on its UK expansion.

First Bus

Expanding Reach Across the UK

The partnership will see First Bus operate FlixBus services from depots in Bath, Bristol, Slough, Taunton, Truro, Weston-super-Mare and Yorkshire, covering routes that link northern cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle as well as key destinations across the South West. The initiative aligns with FlixBus’s ambitious growth plan to double its UK network size by summer 2025, aiming for over 200 coaches on the road, all operated by trusted local partners.

Chief Operating Officer of First Bus, Andrew Jarvis, described the new partnership as a “significant milestone” in the company’s strategy to expand its B2B operation. He added,

“Wwe’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.”

New Jobs and New Coaches

The agreement will see First Bus invest in 21 Yutong GT12 express coaches and create around 70 new roles across its network. By spring 2025, drivers, supervisors, and dedicated managers will be on hand at First Bus depots nationwide to oversee service delivery, contributing to local employment opportunities and enhancing operational efficiency.

Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential, stating,

“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.”

First Bus

Investment in the Future of Coach Travel

Under the new arrangement, First Bus will be responsible for service operations, from staffing to vehicle upkeep, while FlixBus will lead customer engagement and manage the digital booking platform. First Bus coaches will sport the full FlixBus livery, with drivers in FlixBus-branded uniforms to ensure a cohesive customer experience.

Both companies are committed to raising brand awareness and encouraging uptake of these new services, contributing to a greener, more affordable mode of travel. A recent report from KPMG, commissioned by the Confederation of Passenger Transport, revealed that coach travel generates significant economic value, with each additional coach service to a destination estimated to contribute £1 million annually to the local economy.

This partnership signals a new chapter in long-distance coach travel in the UK, bringing fresh travel options, economic benefits and employment opportunities to communities nationwide. With routes launching from spring 2025, passengers can look forward to an expanded FlixBus network with the reliability and expertise of First Bus driving the journey forward.