FlixBus is continuing its drive to expand its route network with a new partnership and new route across the north of England
FlixBus is launching a new service between major cities in the north west and north east of England with new partner Belle Vue Coaches. The Stockport-based operator will begin serving the FlixBus network with a daily route between Manchester, Leeds, Middlesborough, Sunderland and Newcastle at the end of April.
Managing Director of FlixBus UK Andreas Schorling said: “Delivering new routes with high quality, award-winning operators like Belle Vue is truly exciting, as we continue on our mission to become the largest network in the country. Belle Vue has a clear vision for the transport industry to be clean, green and safe, with a reputation for high levels of passenger satisfaction and appetite for growth. We believe they will be a brilliant addition to our network of trust partners, particularly ahead of the busy summer season.”
Belle Vue’s Managing Director Philip Hitchen has led the coach company for over 30 years, and says the new partnership offers new opportunities for growth, diversification and commercial success: “We have been following the rise of FlixBus in the UK over the past two years, and have been impressed by their ambition, rapid success and focus on sustainability,” he commented. “The FlixBus model allows us to diversify and add express services to our existing revenue streams. We felt it was a great time to join their network, which is showing great promise for growth and profitability in 2023, as well as being on track to become the largest in the UK.”
Belle Vue has been trading since 1993 and has won several gold, silver and bronze awards at the UK Coach Awards. As part of the new partnership, it will add an MAN Neoplan Tourliner to its fleet, which it says will provide drivers and passengers with the high quality of safety, comfort and reliability expected from the brand.
Andreas added: “FlixBus is passionate about providing green transport for everyone everywhere, and our partnership with Belle Vue strengthens our ambition to connect all towns and cities in the UK. The new route will also support the Government’s ambitions to ‘level up’ all parts of the country, encouraging travellers to use sustainable, eco-friendly transport methods.”
