FlixBus debuts in Canada with launch of three domestic bus services

Credit: FlixBus

German mobility company FlixBus has announced that it will launch a domestic service in Canada, beginning on 7 April 2022. In addition to an express route between Ottawa to Toronto, FlixBus will debut in Canada with a Niagara Falls to Toronto line – including a stop in St. Catharines – as well as a more comprehensive local line – with stops including Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Mississauga and Toronto.

While the Niagara Falls-Toronto and Waterloo-Toronto route will run daily service in each direction, with service doubled on Thursdays to Mondays, the Ottawa-Toronto route will run Thursday to Monday with one trip in each direction per day.

The start of the Ontario domestic service is just the first phase of a planned expansion, with cross-border routes to and from the U.S. planned for Summer 2022.

“FlixBus is making sustainable bus travel comfortable, affordable and easy-to-use for everyone,” said André Schwämmlein, Founder and CEO of FlixBus. “Our success in Europe and the ongoing growth in the U.S., Brazil and now Canada proves that, with a smart business approach and a great product, FlixBus can globally change the way that people travel and can help them to discover the benefits of shared, green intercity bus transportation.”

With new buses, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, carbon-neutral ticketing options, tech solutions like the FlixBus app and more, FlixBus is setting a new standard for Canadian intercity travel and is making buses not just an affordable option, but the preferred choice for all passengers looking to travel, no matter their budget.

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“Ontario is a dream bus market, with some of North America’s most vibrant cities, and we are immensely happy to begin building connections here,” said Pierre Gourdain, Managing Director of FlixBus North America. “We also hope that the service will offer Ontarians a financial reprieve in a context of rising gas prices, with a green mobility alternative to help riders to re-discover this wonderful province.”

The FlixBus network is comprised of and driven by local bus partners, many of which are family owned. Thus, riding with FlixBus means that customers are helping to support these local businesses and play a part in giving back to the community that these partners serve.

FlixBus’ new Canadian domestic network will be operated by Gallexy Tours, the company’s first local Canadian partner. The buses will also apply the company’s international standard, which includes services such as free on-board Wi-Fi. Gallexy Tours has been serving the city of Toronto for the past 20 years, primarily providing charter services.

“FlixBus came to us with a vision for what the future of intercity bus travel will look like. Together, we have a unique opportunity to re-shape how passengers travel. Now, after planning and preparing throughout COVID-19 for this moment, we are ready for the main event, which is to provide new transportation for travellers in Canada and eventually connect passengers between the U.S. and Canada,” said Dilan Jey, on behalf of Gallexy Tours.