megabus expands in Italy

Stagecoach owned megabus.com is introducing a new network of services in Italy. The operator is to link 13 locations in the country: Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Naples, Turin, Bologna, Verona, Padua, Siena, Genoa, Sarzana (La Spezia) and Pisa. Fares on all journeys start from €1. The addition of these services takes the number of destinations on the company’s European network to almost 150. The operator is creating 100 new jobs in Italy by opening new bases near Milan and in Florence. The new services were launched by Italy’s Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Riccardo Nencini, at an event in Florence.

The new services are due to run from 24 June 2015 and all travel on the first five days of the new services will be priced at €1. An investment of over €11m has been made in a fleet of 23 Van Hool coaches for the Italian operation. The vehicles are fitted with free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and a toilet, with a carrying capacity of up to 87 people.

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths, said, ‘We are delighted to be investing in Italy, providing improved transport connections and a boost for the economy through scores of new jobs. Italy is a fantastic country with some of the most vibrant and popular cities in Europe. We are confident our low fares and high quality travel experience will help deliver more affordable travel to people in Italy and bring even more tourists to the country.’