FlixBus to restart some service, expand later

After temporarily stopping service in March during the coronavirus pandemic, FlixBus is ready to hit the road. Starting June 25, it will relaunch select routes, hoping to expand that service as consumer demand increases.

“We’ve been quietly waiting for travel demand to get back,” said Michael Kahn, head of business development for FlixBus.

FlixBus reduced its service in midMarch before going into what Kahn described as indefinite “hibernation” March 22, according to the Arizona Republic, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

He said the company carefully evaluated the right time to restart.

“I think also we want to make sure when we do restart, we’re doing so in a way that is safe for our passengers, for our drivers, for everyone else involved just to make sure we’re not contributing to further spread,” Kahn said. “Then obviously the economics of the business, it is hard to make it work when there’s nobody, there’s zero demand for travel.”

As states reopen and demand returns, FlixBus is seeing a return of customers wanting to ride. Kahn said the reopening of Las Vegas played a role in that.

“We’re so excited to get the business running to get buses back on the road,” he said.

The company reviewed its policies and procedures and surveyed customers on what they would need to see to feel comfortable riding the bus again.

“We have a new safety process we’re going to roll out as part of this relaunch,” Kahn said.

Along with touchless check-in and added cleaning and sanitation of hightouch areas, the bus line will provide hand sanitizer upon boarding and the option to buy the next seat for added space.

Drivers will wear masks and gloves, and passengers will be required to wear masks. Bus drivers will have a limited number available for those who forget to bring one.