CANADA
FlixBus launched domestic services in Canada on 7 April. In addition to an express route between Ottawa-Toronto, FlixBus will debut in Canada with a Niagara Falls-Toronto service including a stop in St. Catharines, as well as a more comprehensive local route serving the University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Mississauga and Toronto. The operator said that the Ontario domestic service is the first phase of a planned expansion, with cross-border routes to and from the US planned for summer 2022. Tickets went on sale on 24 March and as a special offer for new Canadian customers, special $4.99 fares were offered between 24 March and 6 April.
Since the deregulation of the Ontario intercity bus market in 2021, the door has been opened for new providers. FlixBus began its services in the United States in 2018 and had long-term plans to expand into Canada, but these were delayed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The operator said that now restrictions are being lifted and the demand for travel is coming back, it is poised to bring new options to the Canadian market.
“FlixBus is making sustainable bus travel comfortable, affordable and easy-to-use for everyone,” said André Schwämmlein, Founder and CEO of FlixBus. “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.”
Flixbus cites the digitalisation of the traditional bus market as its recipe for success across Europe and in the US, with new buses, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, carbon-neutral ticketing options, and the FlixBus app.
“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,” said Pierre Gourdain, Managing Director of FlixBus North America. “We also hope the service will offer Ontarians a financial reprieve in a context of rising fuel prices with a green alternative to help riders re-discover this wonderful province.”
FlixBus is working with local partner Gallexy Tours, its first local Canadian partner, which has been serving the city of Toronto for 20 years primarily providing charter services. “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-19 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,” said Gallexy’s Dilan Jey.
