FlixBus announces upcoming partnership with Rowgate Group

Berkshire-based Rowgate Group is the most recent coach operator to join the ever-growing number of partners on the UK FlixBus network.

The operator will provide additional coaches on key FlixBus routes between London and the Midlands from mid-September.

Established in 2016, Rowgate Group brings together trading companies Fernhill Travel, White Bus and Baileys Coaches.

The Group has grown over 300% since the group was formed and now boasts 85 employees, 70 vehicles and four depots based across East and West Berkshire as well as Surrey.

Revenue for Rowgate Group is derived from commercial and tendered public bus services, home-to-school services, private coach hire and commercial contracts.   

Simon Rowland, Group CEO of Rowgate said: “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!”

Services will be delivered by newly-purchased Yutong GT12s from Pelican Bus and Coach. The vehicles will have FlixBus green livery with Euro VI engine technology and full PSVAR compliance.

“Rowgate Group’s rapid growth in a few short years is nothing short of extraordinary given the challenging industry environment throughout the pandemic,” added Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK.

“We believe their determination and ambition have been a key factor in their success and that is why we’re delighted to be welcoming Simon and his team to the growing FlixBus network in the UK.”

With a number of high-quality operators partnering with the sustainable coach brand this year, the FlixBus network includes 60 destinations in the UK as well as international routes into continental Europe.

Part of the global group Flix, the parent company celebrated its 10th anniversary in February, announcing launches into new markets in Chile and India.

“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,” concluded Schorling.

Rowgate Group is currently recruiting drivers for FlixBus express work.