Excelsior Coaches has become a FlixBus partner operator as the brand expands to the Dorset and Hampshire coast for the first time.
The Go-Ahead subsidiary will operate FlixBus-branded services from Southampton, Bournemouth, and Poole, linking those locations with Heathrow Airport and London.
Excelsior, which is based in Pimperne, Dorset, will introduce four Temsa HD12 vehicles to the network and operate five times a day in each direction.
“Our new partnership with Excelsior completes our network and achieves full coverage of the UK for FlixBus, marking a key milestone in our growth journey and road to market leadership,” says Andreas Schorling, Senior Managing Director of FlixBus UK.
Excelsior, which has been established for more than 90 years, provides day trips, group tours, airport transfers, school services and coach hire.
David Lee-Kong, operations director at Excelsior, says: “FlixBus has brought the express coach market into the 21st century through its innovative model, advanced technology, and strong customer proposition.
“We are proud to be the first partner in the South of England, supporting the growth of FlixBus network and enhancing connectivity for residents across our key locations.”
FlixBus, which was launched in the UK in 2021, believes it will have more than 200 coaches on its network by the peak of this summer.
“Excelsior has a fantastic local customer base and extensive experience in delivering high-quality express coach services,” adds Mr Schorling. “They are the ideal partner to bring our affordable, sustainable, and reliable transport brand to new cities in the South, and we are delighted to serve millions more passengers with the opportunity for travel this summer.”
