A new five-year deal between UK bus operator, First Bus, and global travel tech company FlixBus has been announced that will bring eight new or expanded FlixBus coach routes across the UK next year.

FlixBus said it will double its UK network size by the end of summer 2025, with over 200 of their vehicles on the road operated by its partners.

According to First Bus the partnership will boost daily services across the South-West of England and expanded routes in northern cities including Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle.

First Bus depots in Bath, Bristol, Slough, Taunton, Truro, Weston-super-Mare and in Yorkshire will operate services.

Andrew Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer for First Bus said: “The new partnership with FlixBus marks another significant milestone in growing the First Bus B2B operation and we’re excited to serve further regions in the UK, helping to make longer distance travel easier. 

“This new contract will create around 70 jobs and strengthen our national footprint as we renew our presence in the contract express coach market segment.”

As part of the investment in the partnership, First Bus is purchasing 21 Yutong GT12 express coaches, with plans to recruit 65 new drivers across seven First Bus depots in three regions.

The bus operator said a dedicated manager and supervisor will oversee the operations, boosting employment opportunities in those regions.

Andreas Schorling, FlixBus Managing Director UK added: “We’ve experienced unprecedented passenger demand and strong commercial success, and, as we onboard operators like First Bus, market leadership is becoming inevitable.

“This is a golden era for coach travel where new modern, comfortable vehicles provide an enjoyable experience that passengers love.

“This is a renaissance for coach travel, and we see record numbers of people trying and returning to FlixBus.”