FlixBus and Whippet partnership Plans Announced

Further expansion of the FlixBus network is being unveiled, with key coach operator partner Whippet reasserting its long-term commitment to the green travel brand by growing its fleet.

Cambridge-based Whippet is investing in the replacement of its entire FlixBus fleet, and will be adding twelve additional vehicles to the network this year, bringing its total number of coaches to 14.

Partnership Approach

Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus said: “Whippet has been a key cornerstone of our network since day one, so we are delighted to be expanding the network together with the historic and reputable operator.

“With over a hundred years of experience, we have found their innovative ideas; dynamic, agile approach; and high quality of service to be a perfect fit. The values and aspirations of the team at Whippet and Ascendal are totally aligned with ours, and we share a joint vision for transforming the coach industry.”

Tony Williamson, CEO Asia, Europe, Latin America at Ascendal Group, commented: “We have seen the determination and ambition of the FlixBus team; there is no doubt they have the vision and skill to become the leading express operator  in  the UK coach market. We are confident that through our partnership with Flixbus we will continue to grow and build on the success achieved to date.

 “We are delighted to make such a substantial, long-term commitment to FlixBus, based on convincing commercial results and our strong, collaborative working relationship.”

Joint Success

Ascendal Group, Whippet’s parent company since 2018, has the vision of bringing cities to life through public transport. It seeks to achieve this through implementing world class solutions that deliver step changes in how public transport is perceived, accepted and delivered. The group currently transports more than 1 million passengers daily across its bus operations contracts in Hong Kong, Chile and the UK.

Whippet has enjoyed a successful collaboration with FlixBus since the sustainable coach brand first launched in the UK two years ago. The operator now delivers key routes on the FlixBus network, including destinations such as London, Paris and its home-city of Cambridge.

Jointly, the two companies launched the first ever direct Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge and London to Paris express service, which commenced in summer 2022. The route has delivered high numbers of passengers as a result of smart network planning and strategic consumer demand analysis.

“Flix is a tech company at heart - we use advanced technology and high quality data analysis to understand the market’s needs and develop our network based on this information. Our operators then focus on delivering the services, allowing us both to play to our strengths and together deliver an incredible service,” said Schorling.

Vehicle Updates

Whippet’s new fleet will consist of MAN Neoplan P20s, tailored to meet the FlixBus specification. The modern vehicles will offer high levels of passenger comfort and advanced features to support driver technology.

Williamson commented: “Updating our full FlixBus fleet means improving our on-board customer experience, with a brand-new interior which offers an outstanding level of comfort.

“As ever, FlixBus has supported us in reviewing the range of  manufacturers available without dictating which vehicle make or model to put  on to the network. We are able to make a decision that works for us both, and this speaks to the true partnership we enjoy.”

Global Growth

Parent company Flix, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this week (15 February), has succeeded in revolutionising the coach travel industry around the world, operating in 40 countries in Europe as well as the USA, Canada and Brazil.

With over 3,000 destinations on its network and 400,000 connections a day, FlixBus is expanding substantially in the UK this year. The company was recently named part of the top five fastest-growing travel companies of 2022 by Similar Web, based on its web traffic growth.

Schorling added: “We had a phenomenally successful 2022, and momentum is only increasing on our way to becoming the largest coach provider in the UK. We are building the future of coach travel through bold plans to increase the destinations on our network this year in line with customer demand.”

“Express coach work is a leading aspect of our business success, and it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration with a company like FlixBus. We are delighted to be on this journey of explosive global growth with the green team!” concluded Williamson.

The new routes will be released later this year.