THE GLOBAL leader in coach travel, FlixBus, is unveiling UK growth plans in partnership with Scotland’s biggest independent bus operator, McGill’s.
Following the successful collaboration between the companies, McGill’s has confirmed it will be placing 18 new vehicles exclusively on the FlixBus network in 2023, in addition to its current fleet of seven.
The partnership between McGill’s and sustainable coach brand FlixBus began in 2021, fuelled by a joint ambition to disrupt the coach market.
The sustainable and reliable network delivered by the two companies has gone from strength to strength this year, with new lines added and increased frequencies of cross-border routes to keep up with consumer demand.
This year saw their most ambitious project to date, launching to the Scottish domestic market in August with a route connecting Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling, Perth and Aberdeen four times a day. Now, both companies are keen to push forward bold growth plans for 2023, with a total of 25 coaches on the road.
Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK said: “Partnering with McGill’s has played a huge role in our development in the UK market. We have built a dynamic relationship which allows us both to deliver exceptional coach services and expand our sustainable, affordable and reliable network, together.”
FlixBus has outperformed its forecasted UK figures this year, almost doubling passengers (94% increase) carried April – September, compared to the same period in 2021. The travel tech brand also celebrated its 1 millionth UK customer this summer, now reaching over 40 destinations across the country.
The achievements of this year provide a powerful platform, Schorling says, for FlixBus to reach its goal of becoming the largest coach provider in the UK in the next four years.
“The success of Flix both in the UK, and globally, cannot be overstated. Our strategy and business model have not only proved to be resilient to fluctuating uncertainty of the last two years, but in fact has delivered unprecedented levels of demand as travel returns to normal. We have high targets to reach next year, and are confident we will achieve our goals,” he added.
Founded in 1933, McGill’s has depots in Greenock, Inchinnan, Johnstone, Dundee, Falkirk, Stirling, Livingstone & Balfron with the company headquarters located in Greenock.
McGill’s CEO, and President of CPT, Ralph Roberts commented: “Since the very beginning, FlixBus has been a true partner, and we have jointly built the network together because we have a relationship based on trust. We are delighted to be expanding the number of vehicles on FlixBus routes because we firmly believe they are the future of green, long-distance coach travel.”
The routes for the new vehicles will be unveiled later in 2023.
