FlixBus reveals growth plans with McGill’s
FlixBus is unveiling UK growth plans in partnership with the UK’s biggest independent bus operator, McGill’s Buses.
McGill’s has confirmed it will be placing 18 new vehicles exclusively on the FlixBus network in 2023, in addition to its current fleet of seven. The coaches will be Volvos and along with some ancilary expenditure represent an investment of £10m by McGill’s owners, the billionaire brothers Sandy and James Easdale.
The partnership between McGill’s and FlixBus began in 2021, fuelled by a joint ambition to disrupt the coach market. Since forming the partnership, new lines have been added and frequencies of cross-border routes have been increased to keep up with consumer demand.
“Partnering with McGill’s has played a huge role in our development in the UK market” – Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK
Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK, said: “Partnering with McGill’s has played a huge role in our development in the UK market. We have built a dynamic relationship which allows us both to deliver exceptional coach services and expand our sustainable, affordable and reliable network, together.”
FlixBus has outperformed its forecasted UK figures this year, almost doubling passengers (94% increase) carried between April and September, compared to the same period in 2021. The travel tech brand also celebrated its one millionth UK customer this summer, now reaching over 40 destinations across the country.
Andreas continued: “The success of Flix both in the UK, and globally, cannot be overstated. Our strategy and business model have not only proved to be resilient to fluctuating uncertainty of the last two years, but in fact has delivered unprecedented levels of demand as travel returns to normal. We have high targets to reach next year, and are confident we will achieve our goals.”
“Since the very beginning, FlixBus has been a true partner” – McGill’s CEO, and President of CPT, Ralph Roberts
McGill’s CEO, and President of CPT, Ralph Roberts, said: “Since the very beginning, FlixBus has been a true partner, and we have jointly built the network together because we have a relationship based on trust. We are delighted to be expanding the number of vehicles on FlixBus routes because we firmly believe they are the future of green, long-distance coach travel.”
“It will also mean we will be creating new jobs as we announce the routes and the services start to get going” – Sandy Easdale
Sandy Easdale said: “Our partnership with FlixBus has been a resounding success for both parties and there was a clear determination to build on the successful service that has already been established.
“We’ve stepped up with a £10 million investment to buy new state of the art coaches that will equip us for the expansion we have planned. That is good news for passengers who will benefit from great value travel around Great Britain. It will also mean we will be creating new jobs as we announce the routes and the services start to get going.
“Between our FlixBus partnership, our purchase of Xplore Dundee and our acquisition of the Scotland East business from First Bus, we are firm in our desire to keep building the McGill’s Buses business and brand.”
“Last summer, the wider FlixBus group carried 34 million passengers over its summer season and McGill’s wants to be an integral part in growing that even further as FlixBus expands its UK services in the coming years” – James Easdale
James Easdale added: “We’re delighted to reveal the new investment into the FlixBus initiative and we look forward to announcing the new routes later this year.
“Last summer, the wider FlixBus group carried 34 million passengers over its summer season and McGill’s wants to be an integral part in growing that even further as FlixBus expands its UK services in the coming years.
“Sandy and I are continuously looking for opportunities to invest, whether that be through McGill’s or our property and manufacturing interests, and whilst the economic outlook is looking more challenging, we still believe 2023 and 2024 will bring openings to create jobs and growth within our businesses.”
The routes for the new vehicles will be unveiled later in 2023.