Flixbus Discussion

[route101]

Citylink operate hourly, there is the slower Stagecoach service, plus the Ember service from the outskirts of Perth. What more do you want!?

Crowded market . I'm going to use the 093 flixbus service to Perth next weekend.

 

[danielhogg2005]

If you check the Flixbus website some journeys in Scotland tomorrow are cancelled, I wonder why this is?

 

[route101]

If you check the Flixbus website some journeys in Scotland tomorrow are cancelled, I wonder why this is?

Where are you seeing this? Some journeys are fully booked.

 

[danielhogg2005]

Where are you seeing this? Some journeys are fully booked.

I saw it on the bus tracker part of the website last night where 091 and 092 journeys said cancelled on it.
Also these journeys that say cancelled disappeared off the app.

 

[overthewater]

How busy has the Scottish routes been over the weekend and today? Citylink has had a lot of full journeys running about because of the BBC Radio one event.

 

[route101]

Are the 093 and 094 services positioning journeys?

 

[markymark2000]

Are the 093 and 094 services positioning journeys?

No, just additional services which go to Perth. The 94 has a 'positioning' part which means the first and last ones run to/from Dundee but otherwise, just normal services. I think the aim is for them to fill gaps in the 91/92. You'll have a 91 from Glasgow to Aberdeen and 94 from Edinburgh to Perth then the next hour you'll have a 93 to Perth via Broxden P&R and a 92 from Edinburgh to Dundee/Aberdeen. Fills gaps in the service. That said, I don't know how many passengers they'll get from operating these.

Given the walk-up potential on these routes, I do think it would be better for these to be McGills Intercity routes (with ticket sales on bus and perhaps with cross ticketing with the local buses) but with tickets sold via Flixbus. I think this could skyrocket the passenger numbers on these routes versus being 100% Flixbus routes and the only walk-ups being for concessionary (U22 and over 60) pass holders.

 

[route101]

No, just additional services which go to Perth. The 94 has a 'positioning' part which means the first and last ones run to/from Dundee but otherwise, just normal services. I think the aim is for them to fill gaps in the 91/92. You'll have a 91 from Glasgow to Aberdeen and 94 from Edinburgh to Perth then the next hour you'll have a 93 to Perth via Broxden P&R and a 92 from Edinburgh to Dundee/Aberdeen. Fills gaps in the service. That said, I don't know how many passengers they'll get from operating these.

Given the walk-up potential on these routes, I do think it would be better for these to be McGills Intercity routes (with ticket sales on bus and perhaps with cross ticketing with the local buses) but with tickets sold via Flixbus. I think this could skyrocket the passenger numbers on these routes versus being 100% Flixbus routes and the only walk-ups being for concessionary (U22 and over 60) pass holders.

Yes, Glasgow to Perth is a short journey to be pre booking in advance. I have booked the 093 to Perth Bus Station for this Saturday, I am expecting a quiet bus.

 

[j_walker1804]

I went past a 72 plate mirrorless Irizar heading on the M1 south this morning just after 0730 by Northampton services in full FlixBus livery. Seemed to be on the 072? service. Anybody know which operator this is?

 

[darloscott]

I went past a 72 plate mirrorless Irizar heading on the M1 south this morning just after 0730 by Northampton services in full FlixBus livery. Seemed to be on the 072? service. Anybody know which operator this is?

Bouden Coach Travel are using one on the 020 between Birmingham & London… could be theirs?

 

[j_walker1804]

Bouden Coach Travel are using one on the 020 between Birmingham & London… could be theirs?

Yes! I saw it coming back out of London on the 020. It was something like YN72 ZRC but can’t be sure!

 

[route101]

I used the new 093 service from Glasgow to Perth Bus Station. Only 4 people on the service including myself. I am not sure what the purpose of this service is. The 094 from Dundee - Perth - Edinburgh was seen with better loads.

 

[318266]

I used the new 093 service from Glasgow to Perth Bus Station. Only 4 people on the service including myself. I am not sure what the purpose of this service is. The 094 from Dundee - Perth - Edinburgh was seen with better loads.

The 093 is a feeder service for connections onto the 092 Edinburgh - Aberdeen. Same with the 094 being a feeder for the 091.

 

[route101]

The 093 is a feeder service for connections onto the 092 Edinburgh - Aberdeen. Same with the 094 being a feeder for the 091.

I thought it was a positioning service to get buses into service.

 

[GusB]

The situation at Aberdeen bus station doesn't seem to be getting any closer to a resolution!

FlixBus and Stagecoach row in Aberdeen intensifies - routeone

A dispute between FlixBus and Stagecoach over access to Aberdeen bus station for scheduled coach services is showing no sign of abating.

www.route-one.net

A dispute between FlixBus and Stagecoach over access to Union Square bus station in Aberdeen for scheduled coach services has escalated after FlixBus on 2 June accused Stagecoach of “deliberate misuse of space to keep out competitors.”

The remarkable claim comes after the row began in early May. FlixBus claimed that its bid for further slots in Union Square was refused by Stagecoach, which manages the bus station. At that time, FlixBus threatened to complain to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over the allocation of stand space in the facility.

Allegations made then by FlixBus were robustly denied by Stagecoach, which cited health and safety concerns. It fired back by accusing FlixBus of making “inaccurate” statements, but FlixBus has repeatedly claimed that Stagecoach’s stake in FlixBus competitor Scottish Citylink it at the root of the refusal to permit more FlixBus departures.

‘Evidence’ claim by FlixBus over Stagecoach practice in Aberdeen​

In early June, FlixBus – which is calling the unsavoury debacle a “bus war” – said it has compiled evidence that stand space in Union Square is not being maximised and is “in fact being used largely as a parking facility for coaches and buses rather than a pickup point for passengers.”

FlixBus UK Managing Director Andreas Schorling adds the serious allegation that Stagecoach is engaging in “deliberate misuse” of the bus station in a bid to keep out the green coaches, which are operated by McGill’s Buses. FlixBus is now seeking an urgent meeting with Aberdeen City Council to seek its support in finding a resolution.

Core to FlixBus’s argument is the resulting need for passengers to board and alight at the roadside. In a pointed response, Stagecoach notes that “it is… normal for buses to stop and allow passengers to board from the street in the form of bus stops and bus shelters, which is common across the UK.”

In a further bizarre turn, both FlixBus and Stagecoach claim that the other party has not made recent contact. Stagecoach says it has heard nothing from FlixBus for “over a month.” FlixBus meanwhile claims that it has received no communication from the large group for twice that period. Mr Schorling adds that an attempt by McGill’s to arrange a meeting with Stagecoach has come to naught.

Stagecoach continues robust response to claims​

In a further response to FlixBus’s original complaint, Stagecoach says that FlixBus has not used the four departure slots that it is allocated and has voluntarily decided to stop at the roadside in Littlejohn Street. A spokesperson has vehemently denied claims that Stagecoach has “forced” FlixBus out of the bus station.

They continue: “FlixBus has continued to fail to raise these complaints through the [correct channels], yet we are open to discussion via the proper method [rather] than the current, public ‘bus war’ that it is intending.”

Stagecoach continues to carry out recommendations from its safety review of Aberdeen bus station, it says. “A further meeting is scheduled for 14 June, where we will agree the new departure slots available following the redesign of Union Square bus station. Operators will be informed of slot availability after that meeting.”

FlixBus legal adviser Prof Peter Watson of PBW Law has hinted that the previously-threatened complaint to CMA will be submitted if the dispute is not “immediately resolved.” Prof Watson claims that it is a matter of public interest that the matter requires “a full and open investigation by CMA.”

 

[Blindtraveler]

I wonder what would happen if another coach operator decided they wanted to operate a new service or increase existing ones through Aberdeen bus station and applied for slots? Examples could be direct Edinburgh or Glasgow airport services by first group using the air coach brand so familiar to residents in the Republic of Ireland

This certainly is extremely stupid and petty

 

[overthewater]

It funny, Flixbus doesn't seem to care about using Dundee bus stance, and there plenty of space for them in that one. Why do they care so much about Aberdeen?

 

[Spsf3232]

It funny, Flixbus doesn't seem to care about using Dundee bus stance, and there plenty of space for them in that one. Why do they care so much about Aberdeen?

There were issues to begin with when they got allocated little John street due to it being out of the way. That's why they wanted the bus station to be central in Aberdeen. I think if there was a viable alternative offered locally then they would take that rather than pay departures on the bus station slots.

 

[computerSaysNo]

The situation at Aberdeen bus station doesn't seem to be getting any closer to a resolution!

FlixBus and Stagecoach row in Aberdeen intensifies - routeone

A dispute between FlixBus and Stagecoach over access to Aberdeen bus station for scheduled coach services is showing no sign of abating.

www.route-one.net

Wasn't the original issue that the Citylink timetable relied on their vehicles remaining on their stance at Aberdeen while the drivers took their break? So unless a bus shunter was employed (probably not a quickly-implementable solution) the stances can't be freed until Citylink change their timetable. I'm not sure if the Bus Station at Aberdeen have the power to force Citylink to do that, it would depend on the contract the Bus Station have with Citylink, and even if they do have that power there would likely be a minimum notice period.

 

[InOban]

But the bus station is operated by Stagecoach /Citylink. There is a conflict of interest.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Wasn't the original issue that the Citylink timetable relied on their vehicles remaining on their stance at Aberdeen while the drivers took their break? So unless a bus shunter was employed (probably not a quickly-implementable solution) the stances can't be freed until Citylink change their timetable. I'm not sure if the Bus Station at Aberdeen have the power to force Citylink to do that, it would depend on the contract the Bus Station have with Citylink, and even if they do have that power there would likely be a minimum notice period.

That wasn't the issue. Flixbus were using Stance 6 which isn't served by any services at the moment. Regarding Citylink, coaches now usually go to Tullos for their breaks.

 

[Stan Drews]

That wasn't the issue. Flixbus were using Stance 6 which isn't served by any services at the moment. Regarding Citylink, coaches now usually go to Tullos for their breaks.

But FlixBus wasn’t permitted to increase its service to roughly one departure per hour, from an ‘empty’ stance, that they wished to occupy for 15 mins prior to each departure!

I‘m assuming the new Citylink/Stagecoach M96 won’t be able to use the bus station either due to the lack of available slots!!

 

[Jordan Adam]

But FlixBus wasn’t permitted to increase its service to roughly one departure per hour, from an ‘empty’ stance, that they wished to occupy for 15 mins prior to each departure!

I‘m assuming the new Citylink/Stagecoach M96 won’t be able to use the bus station either due to the lack of available slots!!

The M96 is using the same stance as the 9 and 10 and departs at the same time as a 9 or 10... Even though Stance 6 isn't currently served by anything the bus station is so disorganised that usually there's a bus dumped in it regardless.

The one time I used FlixBus from Union Square it ended up having to pick up from Stance 7 as there was a bus parked up in Stance 6.

 

[318266]

Stagecoach need to realise they can't just bully operators out of a bus station, they've been in issues with the competition lot before, just because you run a bus station doesn't mean you should have preferential treatment!

 

[mikeg]

I've booked tickets from Leeds to Eindhoven and back with flixbus, changing at Victoria. Very competitive Vs flying for overall journey cost but reading this thread not sure what I've let myself in for!

 

[johncrossley]

I've booked tickets from Leeds to Eindhoven and back with flixbus, changing at Victoria. Very competitive Vs flying for overall journey cost but reading this thread not sure what I've let myself in for!

I've been looking at fares from London to Lille, some of which continue to Eindhoven, and there are bargains to be had. One good thing about Flixbus is that you can see historical timings on the coach tracker, earlier that day or the previous day. There are some lengthy delays on the international services from London, but most seem to be no worse than 2 hours. I was worried that coaches are being delayed due to border formalities.

 

[Mwanesh]

Stagecoach need to realise they can't just bully operators out of a bus station, they've been in issues with the competition lot before, just because you run a bus station doesn't mean you should have preferential treatment!

Why not just time the departures at different slots. Stagecoach, First and National Express share the same bays at Swansea Bus Station. Never had problems without supervision.

 

[Flying Snail]

Why not just time the departures at different slots. Stagecoach, First and National Express share the same bays at Swansea Bus Station. Never had problems without supervision.

They like to use the horrible "coach" bay at Aberdeen to lay over between arrival and departure.

 

[route101]

I've booked tickets from Leeds to Eindhoven and back with flixbus, changing at Victoria. Very competitive Vs flying for overall journey cost but reading this thread not sure what I've let myself in for!

Least you get a break at Victoria. Flixbus do have some long routes such as Manchester - Paris. Bristol - Amsterdam and Leeds - Amsterdam.

I would fly for this sort of journey even if it was more expensive.

 

[Peter Philips]

Least you get a break at Victoria. Flixbus do have some long routes such as Manchester - Paris. Bristol - Amsterdam and Leeds - Amsterdam.

I would fly for this sort of journey even if it was more expensive.

Bristol - Amsterdam also involves changing at Victoria doesn't it?