FlixBus has announced a new partnership with Trentbarton that will see the Derbyshire-based operator operating nine coaches on scheduled routes serving the East Midlands.
Sharing the news at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 13 November, alongside Trentbarton Managing Director, Tom Morgan, FlixBus UK Managing Director Andreas Schorling said: “We have long admired Trentbarton’s quality and vision, an operator with generations of experience. This partnership comes at the perfect time to work with Tom and his team.”
Speaking at Euro Bus Expo, Mr Morgan said: “I have huge respect for FlixBus. We realised that the objectives of both companies in terms of our own people and customers are closely aligned. We are looking forward to building a really strong partnership.”
The collaboration follows the recent FlixBus partnership announcement with First Bus. It is part of a broader expansion strategy that will see more than 200 FlixBus vehicles on the UK’s roads by the end of 2025.
Last month, FlixBus announced that coach operators Chalfont Coaches of Northamptonshire and Prospect Coaches of Stourbridge were joining the network.
“FlixBus is cementing its status as a positive force in the market and a key driver of growth for the bus and coach industry,” added Mr Schorling. “We are ready to double the size of our network again, providing more high-quality, affordable travel options for the UK.”
The new venture with Trentbarton, part of the Wellglade group, will start in spring 2025 and be led by the same directorial leadership as other companies within the group.
Yutong GT12 coaches have been ordered by Trentbarton for its FlixBus commitments. The operator will take further examples of that type to upgrade its Red Arrow service between Derby and Nottingham.