Cheap new intercity coach service with prices from just £2.99 launches in Manchester

Fast-growing coach network FlixBus is teaming up with bus and coach operator Belle Vue Manchester to launch a daily service between major cities across the North — with ticket prices starting from just £2.99.

The move comes amid a resurgence in coach travel for a number of reasons, including the cost-of-living crisis and recent rail strikes. The partnership will see Belle Vue serve passengers travelling between Manchester, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle. 

Services will start at the end of April and will open a new cross-country corridor for passengers on the FlixBus network, adding new locations and better connectivity — with the Manchester hub being Shudehill Interchange. Its new partnership marks an expansion into express coach services for Belle Vue, based in Stockport.

Belle Vue is getting a new fleet of  Neoplan Tourliner coaches for the service, which will have free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, toilets and wheelchair accessibility. The vehicle also meets Euro 6 emission standards and is equipped with the latest driver technology and safety features.

Andreas Schorling, managing director of FlixBus UK, 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.

“We are passionate about providing green transport for everyone everywhere, and 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 north west has been an area of high passenger demand since our launch and Manchester in particular has been central to our growth, so we’re proud to be investing in sustainable and affordable transport options for the city, offering more connections than ever for passengers.

“In Belle Vue, we’re delighted to be working with an operator with such a strong presence and knowledge of the area.”

Phil Hitchen, managing director of Stockport-based Belle Vue, 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.

“We see this service as the beginning of a long-term partnership that we plan to quickly evolve and grow.”

Andreas added: “We believe coach is the unsung hero of the transport industry, keeping Britain moving. Even before the recent rail strikes, we were seeing huge demand — we had a 94% uplift in passenger numbers last summer compared to the previous year.

“Rail strikes have impacted on consumer behaviour, with many turning to coach as the sector offers a reliable service, 365 days a year, but there are several reasons why people are turning to coach. 

“The cost-of-living crisis has had a big impact, so affordable travel options are key. In the midst of a climate emergency, consumers also increasingly care about the sustainability of the services they choose, and coach is a green, clean way to travel.”