Berkshire-based Rowgate Group has become the latest operator to partner with Flixbus UK.
The operator will provide its newly purchased Yutong GT12s from Pelican Bus and Coach for Flixbus routes between London and the Midlands from mid-September.
Rowgate was established in 2016 and has since grown by more than 300%, now numbering 85 employees and 70 vehicles across its four depots in East and West Berkshire, as well as Surrey. The latest move is set to see them expand further and they are recruiting new drivers.
It currently focuses on commercial and tendered public bus services, home to school services, private coach hire and commercial contracts.
Simon Rowland, Group Chief Executive Officer of Rowgate, says: “The new partnership with FlixBus will provide us with another growing revenue stream that will complement the seasonality we experience during school holidays.
“We are very excited about this new venture with FlixBus, and we look forward to starting the new services this September!”
The Yutongs, which have Euro VI engine technology and full PSVAR compliance, will sport the green Flixbus livery.
Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK, says: “Rowgate Group’s rapid growth in a few short years is nothing short of extraordinary given the challenging industry environment throughout the pandemic.
“We believe their determination and ambition has been a key factor in their success and is why we’re delighted to be welcoming Simon and his team to the growing FlixBus network in the UK.”
Flixbus offers services to 60 destinations in the UK as well as on to the European mainland. “2023 has been a phenomenal year for us globally and domestically, with operators from across the country seeking to be a part of the FlixBus growth story. We are focused on our mission to be the largest coach network in the UK in the coming years, which we will achieve with partners like Rowgate Group,” says Schorling.