First Bus enters 5-years partnership with FlixBus, whose UK network is set to double by 2025

First Bus is entering a 5-years partnership with FlixBus, the two companies announces today. The deal will bring eight new or expanded FlixBus coach routes across the UK next year.

FlixBus has already carried over five million passengers since its launch in the UK in 2021. And now it is set to double its UK network size by the end of summer of 2025, with over 200 FlixBus vehicles on the road, First Bus highlights. The German group is also testing zero emission coaches in the country.

Concerning its public transport business, First Bus is investing £89 million to expand electric fleet across the UK (with 178 new electric buses deployed across four regions) and aims to expand its charging network to 14 depots with more than 800 electric buses by 2025.

First Bus to purchase 21 Yutong coaches for FlixBus lines

As part of the investment in the partnership, First Bus is purchasing 21 Yutong GT12 express coaches, with plans to recruit 65 new drivers across seven First Bus depots in three regions. A dedicated manager and supervisor will oversee the operations, boosting employment opportunities in those regions.

The new routes span across the country and will launch from spring 2025. Under the contract, First Bus will provide staff, all vehicle-related requirements and service delivery. FlixBus will provide the platform for passengers, offering value for money, and best-in-class customer experience. The coaches will be branded in the full FlixBus livery, including uniform for the drivers.

The addition of First Bus will significantly boost FlixBus’ daily services across the South-West of England and expand routes in northern cities including Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle. First Bus depots in Bath, Bristol, Slough, Taunton, Truro, Weston-super-Mare and in Yorkshire will operate services.

Andrew Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer for First Bus comments: “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.’

Andreas Schorling, FlixBus Managing Director UK comments: “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.”