FlixBus and Belle Vue launch new cross-country coach service in UK

Credit: FlixBus

FlixBus has announced that it is launching a new coach service between major cities in the North West and North East of England with new partner, Belle Vue.

The operator, based in Stockport, will begin serving FlixBus passengers between Manchester, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle at the end of April 2023, with a regular, daily service. The route will open up a new cross-country corridor in the North of England for the green travel brand, supporting customers with more affordable, sustainable and reliable transport options.

Managing Director of FlixBus UK, Andreas Schorling, said: “Delivering new routes with high quality, award-winning operators like Belle Vue is truly exciting, as we continue on our mission to become the largest network in the country. Belle Vue has a clear vision for the transport industry to be clean, green and safe, with a reputation for high levels of passenger satisfaction and appetite for growth. We believe they will be a brilliant addition to our network of trusted partners, particularly ahead of the busy summer season.”

Belle Vue’s Managing Director Philip Hitchen has led the coach company for over 30 years, and said: “We have been following the rise of FlixBus in the UK over the past two years, and have been impressed by their ambition, rapid success and focus on sustainability. The FlixBus model allows us to diversify and add express services to our existing revenue streams. We felt it was a great time to join their network, which is showing great promise for growth and profitability in 2023, as well as being on track to become the largest in the UK.”

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Belle Vue has been trading since 1993, and offers a range of services in education, corporate, private hire and coach tours. 

As part of the new partnership, Belle Vue will add a brand new FlixBus branded MAN Neoplan Tourliner to the network, which it says will provide drivers and passengers with the high quality of safety, comfort and reliability expected from the brand.

“Our partnership with Belle Vue strengthens our ambition to connect all towns and cities in the UK. The new route will also support the government’s ambitions to ‘level up’ all parts of the country, encouraging travellers to use sustainable, eco-friendly transport methods. The recent expansion of our network with existing partners, alongside this new relationship, is a testament to the success of our business model and our desire to win the market, opening new connections across the country,” said Andreas Schorling.