Rowgate Group – which includes Baileys Coaches, Fernhill Travel and White Bus – is to expand its partnership with FlixBus.
The Berkshire operator will add more vehicles to the route between Bristol, Reading and London. Two more Yutong GT12 coaches are being purchased from dealership Pelican Bus and Coach for that requirement, with the first adding services along the M4 axis from 20 May and the second joining in September.
Additional vehicles represent a development of a partnership between Rowgate and FlixBus that began in mid-2023. Rowgate Group CEO Simon Rowland says that FlixBus “has developed a really strong vision and identity that stands out in the market, which is what initially attracted us to work with it.”
Mr Rowland adds that he sees “huge potential for growth” via the FlixBus model, hence Rowgate’s interest in expanding the collaboration.
FlixBus UK Managing Director Andreas Schorling observes that Rowgate has “been a fantastic partner, delivering quality and consistency for our customers.” He adds: “We have built up a strong relationship and that has allowed us to expand together rapidly.”
Other growth announced by FlixBus UK in recent weeks includes the addition of Aviemore, Pitlochry and Inverness to its Scottish network operated by McGill’s Bus Group.
Meanwhile, Belle Vue Manchester has added Manchester Airport and York to destinations in England and will soon introduce a route between Manchester and Leicester. In Wales, operator partner Cymru Coaches now provides a link between that nation and Bristol Airport.