FlixBus, Europe’s “long-distance mobility provider” comes to US with its new interstate bus services. FlixBus launched its blend of tech startup, e-commerce and traditional transportation in Germany in 2013. It has expanded to a couple dozen other European countries.
FlixBus wants to inject a dose of Uber into interstate bus travel. Instead of operating its own fleets, FlixBus is a middleman working with both passengers and independent transportation companies.
FlixBus will work with six bus lines in the US to start: Arrow Stage Lines, American Explorer Motorcoach, Gray Line Arizona, Pacific Coachways, Transportation Charter Services and USA Coach Services.
FlixBus will outfit its buses with a can’t-miss-it combination of orange and green. All buses will have free Wi-Fi in addition to “onboard entertainment,” power outlets and USB ports for every seat.
While the operators still own the buses, FlixBus will be in charge of setting routes and pricing, in addition to running its app. According to The Drive, it takes about 30 percent of the revenue, with the remainder going to the bus companies.
The initial focus of FlixBus will cover approximately 180 city combinations in the Southwest and California.
A number of FlixBus’ examples focus on travel to and from Las Vegas, with starting points ranging from Los Angeles to Phoenix to San Diego.
Eventually, FlixBus wants to expand its footprint to cover approximately 400 connections.
The pricing is flexible, like Uber or Lyft. It will be shift based on demand.
FlixBus got its start in Europe, where it currently has some 300 partners, and it hopes to recreate that success stateside starting this month. But then again, Europe actually embraces wheeled mass transit, so it’s anybody’s guess as to how this will pan out.
Tags: america, bus services, FlixBus, US
