Berrys Coaches has expanded its partnership with FlixBus via the introduction of a route between its hometown of Taunton and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It follows opening of the relationship involving the two businesses in 2021 and Berrys’ commencement of its first FlixBus service in 2022, running between Plymouth and London.
FlixBus says that passenger volumes on its UK network grew by 190% in Q1 2023 over the same period a year earlier and that work with Berrys is part of ongoing network growth. FlixBus UK Managing Director Andreas Schörling adds that the business has “big plans” for the summer season as competition in the scheduled coach market continues to intensify.
Berrys Coaches Transport and General Manager James Berry says that the Somerset operator has seen “a really enjoyable first year” operating on FlixBus’s behalf and that the relationship between the two businesses is “truly equal.”
Mr Berry adds: “FlixBus’s vision for long-term expansion appealed to us from the off, and we are witnessing its ambition to become the UK’s largest coach provider coming to life.
“We are looking forward to delivering more routes than ever before. Embarking on a partnership at an early stage in FlixBus’s growth journey has proved to be a strong strategic decision for Berrys, and we are proud to be a part of the revolution of the UK coach industry.”
Coaches used by Berrys on FlixBus work include a pair of Van Hool EX16M models and two Jonckheere-bodied Volvos. Two cherished registration plates with FLX markers have been purchased for those vehicles.
