I wonder who they might work with, at least in Queensland I know that there is Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service, and the spirit of Queensland/Tilt train so I’m not sure if there’s room for competition on coastal Queensland routes. I guess they could partner with Premier since I don’t think they have day passes like Greyhound so Flixbus could probably offer them something but I’m not totally sure either way.
close cooperation with independently owned small and mid-size bus companies
It seems a bit unclear whether they want to compete with existing operators by finding new local coach operators who don’t currently do regular services (e.g. Kangaroo bus lines or Mt Gravatt buses type size and operation, not them specifically though)
Or…
“Local coach operators already deliver quality service, but globally, we have learned that keeping up with fast-moving digital expectations can be tough and expensive. Flix brings an opportunity to help local coach operators adopt new technology faster, expanding their passenger choice, upgrading the travel experience.
Partner with existing operators and split the “retail” side from the “operational” - Flix do the booking and customer service, with a deal on new fleet/upgrades; operators own and operate the fleet and drivers?
There may be room for competition in the SEQ & NSW coastal routes and some regional links as the main bus companies tend to run similar routes at similar times (for sensible start/end times in the capital cities). This means that intermediate cities and towns are effectively bypassed as the bus stops in the middle of the night (only suitable for some types of travellers).
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The European coaching giant is starting low cost intercity coach services in Australia. Initially services will connect Canberra to Sydney. Melbourne to Sydney will also commence with other destinations expected to be added to their network.
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Australasian Bus and Coach: Global bus operator launches very first Australian service
https://www.busnews.com.au/global-bus-operator-launches-very-first-australian-service/
… A key distinction is that Flix does not own any buses. Its model relies entirely on contracting trusted operators who supply the fleet, drivers and day-to-day service delivery. Flix manages the brand, digital platform, booking engine and network design, while its partners deliver the on-road experience. It is an approach that has reshaped mobility across Europe and North America and now promises to influence the Australian long-distance market. …
Will be interesting to see how it goes. Sounds like Queensland are in their plans. Would be great for connecting regional centres to major cities as well.
They will only service where they can make money. Brisbane to Cairns. Brisbane - Sydney and maybe Brisbane - Toowoomba. At the moment only two service Toowoomba.
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If they do perth to adelaide, ill consider lol
How about Sydney to Perth and Adelaide to Dawrin to provide non-bougie PT between the two cities?
Has the potential to shake things up. Will be popular with backpackers and students, which is their bread and butter where they already operate.
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Precedent
If Flix can do it, Translink can do to between Brisbane and Toowoomba.
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These are booked services. They’re not the same as urban public transport services.
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Not really clear on how regular these services will be at this stage. Might drop them an email. If they ran 4 times a day and had multiple stops on the coast it could be viable and a good option for locals. As for bookings, pretty sure they won’t be knocking back a paying customer who turns up at the bus stop.
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That largely depends on capacity. If the bus is fully booked (even if it’s not full yet), how will they let another passenger on board?
e.g. someone wants to travel from Brisbane to Gladstone, but the seat they would occupy is booked by someone boarding in Maryborough.
It’s pretty unusual for long-distance coaches to pick up unbooked passengers, in my experience (and that of a few of my family members and friends who are drivers).
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FlixBus launches two new Australian routes and expands promotion
FlixBus launches two new Australian routes and expands promotion
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Bringing back Economy class on the Indian-Pacific would provide much more pleasant travel over such a distance. (The previous Federal government withdrew funding to subsidise it.)
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