Flixbus Discussion

[Bletchleyite]

Also flixbus don’t use two drivers on really long routes like National Express do. Parts of the route the drivers have openly told me they remove their tacho ( which is obvs illegal) but hey ho. Keep up with practices like that, they won’t be around for long.

In essence Flix isn't a coach operator*, it's a sales website. The operators, and I believe takers of revenue risk, are the coach companies actually running the services. This "franchised" type model is how they grow so quickly. That small disreputable coach operations are acting disreputably is no great surprise. But because of the structure it's unlikely to kill Flix - if they're caught misbehaving, they'll just cancel that "franchise" and get another one in.

* Does it have to own/operate one vehicle directly like NatEx used to, or doesn't it even need an O licence at all?

 

[markymark2000]

If anyone has any safety complaints about things like tachos, you should be reported to the relevent authorities.
Taking out tacho cards is a very serious infringement and should be reported so they can deal with it.


I agree with @Bletchleyite though here, it won't affect Flix really, they will just find another operator. They've done it already with BM Coaches, sure they will do it again.
They do risk tarnishing their brand name though if they have too many issues.

 

[dan5324]

It’ll need someone to report them. Coaches from the major players just don’t get pulled over by DVSA (vosa) unfortunately which is wrong as even at National Express we have had incidents with drivers “fiddling” tachos.

Its not really the tachos that concern me though. It’s the drivers bragging “look no more Drive cam, no more traffic Log, cctv that rarely works” you should come over mate, you can get away with murder”. Flixbus Clearly aren’t bothered about the operators they choose and to whether they adhere to standards or not.

 

[Martin1988]

I did a journey with Flixbus last Friday from Leeds to Bristol via London. Caught the 1230 departure from Leeds to London which used a Whippet Levante. We used the A1 for the whole trip and had a driver change at Peterborough Services where the driver announced we could get out and stretch our legs whilst awaiting the second driver but when I asked him also told me not to go inside the building and use the toilet.

We were nearly an hour late arriving into Victoria (traffic) which gave me around half an hour to catch my connecting coach to Bristol (1800 departure being worked by Turners with an ex BM Van Hool).

Only query I had related to the seat selection/reservation option. The seating plan for the London to Bristol coach was for a vehicle with a centre sunken toilet although in reality the vehicle had a rear mounted toilet. Given passengers are paying to reserve specific seats would you have a right to request a refund if say you don’t want to sit next to the toilet and have reserved a seat at the rear on the basis the toilet will be in the middle of the vehicle?

The seating plan on Bristol to London vehicles is also for a European coach with the driver‘s seat shown on the left hand side. On the last two trips having paid to reserve a front row seat I have ended up sitting on the left hand side as a result due to sitting directly behind the driver not being allowed.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Only query I had related to the seat selection/reservation option. The seating plan for the London to Bristol coach was for a vehicle with a centre sunken toilet although in reality the vehicle had a rear mounted toilet. Given passengers are paying to reserve specific seats would you have a right to request a refund if say you don’t want to sit next to the toilet and have reserved a seat at the rear on the basis the toilet will be in the middle of the vehicle?

In the terms and conditions of your ticket:

13.2.3 If a seat reservation is changed and it is not possible to allocate a seat in the reserved or superior category, the passenger may reclaim the seat reservation fee.

FlixBus General Conditions of Carriage

On this page you can familiarise yourself with the FlixBus general conditions of carriage. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

www.flixbus.co.uk

 

[Mr Manager]

If anyone has any safety complaints about things like tachos, you should be reported to the relevent authorities.
Taking out tacho cards is a very serious infringement and should be reported so they can deal with it.


I agree with @Bletchleyite though here, it won't affect Flix really, they will just find another operator. They've done it already with BM Coaches, sure they will do it again.
They do risk tarnishing their brand name though if they have too many issues.

As a Tachograph compliance manager i can assure you that this sort of behaviour is a certain passage to a PI. Drivers must download their digi card at a maximum 28 days. That data in itself wont show driving without a card in the head. However the data in the tacho head which must be downloaded by the operator at a maximum 90 days period will show the missing mileage and the time the vehicle started to be driven and when it finished. So driver Joe Bloggs removes his card at 16.30 then drives till 17.30 then reinstates his card it will show all of that in the tacho head data. also a speed trace can be obtained. This will prove that the vehicle stopped. The time matches the card withdrawal and the driving without a card inserted. It will then show the card going back in etc etc. There is no way to erase this date. When the DVSA come calling they do not look at the data on the operators system. They ask for the raw data. This is then analysed in a way that it will show everything that goes on with the drivers card and speed trace and missing mileage. Working time directive the whole lot. So any operator who flouts the rules are in my thoughts just delaying the inevitable visit for tea and biscuits with The area TC and almost certainly curtailment of their operators licence or even a complete ban. The CPC holder/Transport manager for the company takes the biggest wrath . They can be banned from holding a operators licence for a very long period of time. And in some exceptions forever.

This wont bother Flix Bus. However it will draw attention to All of their franchisees and operators to an extent they would not be able to leave their yard without being stopped for a roadside inspection.

 

[GusB]

If anyone is aware of tachograph rules being flouted, your first action should be to report your concerns to the relevant body rather than making allegations here.

Let's draw a line under this and keep the thread on topic.

 

[Eyersey468]

If they do that well I wouldn't bet on Stagecoach not selling up to them as they did the European operations. I'm not convinced there is room in the market for three operations, and I very much doubt they would kill established (and higher quality) NatEx.

I'm not convinced there is enough demand for 3 long distance coach operations either, nor do I think Flixbus fares are sustainable long term

 

[dan5324]

Definitely can’t see three long distance operators lasting. A quick check over the ledgers shows the only routes we have been selling out are the 90p routes we price matched to flix bus. Everything else is below what we would expect this time of the year, some significantly. Granted, some restrictions are still in place but I can’t foresee the remaining restrictions making much difference. Things like festivals and other public events usually get their own dedicated service anyway.

Everyone keeps talking about hospitality being a casualty in this pandemic, but I feel public transport could also be one numbers just aren’t recovering quickly enough.

 

[Eyersey468]

Definitely can’t see three long distance operators lasting. A quick check over the ledgers shows the only routes we have been selling out are the 90p routes we price matched to flix bus. Everything else is below what we would expect this time of the year, some significantly. Granted, some restrictions are still in place but I can’t foresee the remaining restrictions making much difference. Things like festivals and other public events usually get their own dedicated service anyway.

Everyone keeps talking about hospitality being a casualty in this pandemic, but I feel public transport could also be one numbers just aren’t recovering quickly enough.

I agree, our local bus side passenger numbers are 60-80% of normal levels. Some of the NX routes I drive numbers are picking up nicely but others are struggling

 

[cnjb8]

I'm not convinced there is enough demand for 3 long distance coach operations either, nor do I think Flixbus fares are sustainable long term

Definitely can’t see three long distance operators lasting. A quick check over the ledgers shows the only routes we have been selling out are the 90p routes we price matched to flix bus. Everything else is below what we would expect this time of the year, some significantly. Granted, some restrictions are still in place but I can’t foresee the remaining restrictions making much difference. Things like festivals and other public events usually get their own dedicated service anyway.

Everyone keeps talking about hospitality being a casualty in this pandemic, but I feel public transport could also be one numbers just aren’t recovering quickly enough.

I agree, but I think people are wrong when they say Flixbus will purchase Megabus like in Europe.

 

[markymark2000]

Its not really the tachos that concern me though. It’s the drivers bragging “look no more Drive cam, no more traffic Log, cctv that rarely works” you should come over mate, you can get away with murder”. Flixbus Clearly aren’t bothered about the operators they choose and to whether they adhere to standards or not.

'No more' would suggest only one operator and that is quite surprising as I would have them down as quite reputable. That said, I know, unrelated to Flixbus, some of the more popular operators can be very poor when it comes to doing jobs.

I guess Flixbus may see an operator which looks good to the public but when the operator has been selected, some of the standards have slipped as the operator realises the low standards. Also, the high standard firms cost more and given the fares, they would lose a lot of money paying for the high standard companies.

 

[Robertj21a]

I'm not convinced there is enough demand for 3 long distance coach operations either, nor do I think Flixbus fares are sustainable long term

Their fares won't be sustainable, I reckon it will be the range of key routes and destinations that will determine who survives.

 

[dan5324]

'No more' would suggest only one operator and that is quite surprising as I would have them down as quite reputable. That said, I know, unrelated to Flixbus, some of the more popular operators can be very poor when it comes to doing jobs.

I guess Flixbus may see an operator which looks good to the public but when the operator has been selected, some of the standards have slipped as the operator realises the low standards. Also, the high standard firms cost more and given the fares, they would lose a lot of money paying for the high standard companies.

Well the drive cameras, working CCTV, traffic log and alcolock is mandated by National Express, not the individual operators and you won’t get work without these things fitted. There are heavy penalties including being kicked off the network if the company doesn’t comply. From what I can see Flixbus has no such requirements.

 

[markymark2000]

well the drive cams, working cctv and traffic log and alcolock is mandated by national express, not the individual operators and you won’t get work without these things fitted. Heavy penalties or even kicked off the network if the company doesn’t comply. From what I can see flixbus has no such requirements.

That is where I was heading. More, of the current operators, only 1 has previously done NatEx on a decent scale which narrows down what you have said to a single operator and if it is them, I am quite surprised.

I'm trying not to name names for the sake of not being moderated.

 

[christopherrfc]

According to this picture McGills have bought these Volvo coaches for the Flixbus Glasgow to London service.

McGills Volvo 9700 , once registered this vehicle will ope… | Flickr

 

[johncrossley]

I see that Flixbus allow you to buy the adjacent seat for a lot less than the cost of two seats. For example, London to Manchester on Tuesday, £4.99 usual price for one seat, then £1 for the reservation and £1.25 for the adjacent seat.

 

[route101]

I see that Flixbus allow you to buy the adjacent seat for a lot less than the cost of two seats. For example, London to Manchester on Tuesday, £4.99 usual price for one seat, then £1 for the reservation and £1.25 for the adjacent seat.

Good idea that, though you may get someone plonking themselves in the seat.

 

[westernsmt]

According to this picture McGills have bought these Volvo coaches for the Flixbus Glasgow to London service.

McGills Volvo 9700 , once registered this vehicle will ope… | Flickr

That is my own image on flickr. Just to clarify, it is the 9700 they have purchased and not the 9900 (afaik). There is a second 9700 currently at Ferrymill which I'm told is painted in Flix colours and once delivered the white one pictured will go to Ferrymill for the Flix treatment .

 

[cnjb8]

That is my own image on flickr , just to clarify it is the 9700 they have purchased and not the 9900 ( afaik) .there is a second 9700 currently at Ferrymill which I'm told is painted in Flix colours and once delivered the white one pictured will go to Ferrymill for the Flix treatment .

Yep, the 9700 has recently been updated. If anyone wants a ride, the demo is with Parks of Hamilton, though it might have moved on

 

[westernsmt]

Yep, the 9700 has recently been updated. If anyone wants a ride, the demo is with Parks of Hamilton, though it might ..

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Jul 2021 ==

Parks have a 9700 demo currently and is a regular on the 10.00 from Buchanan Street to Oban for the summer timetable

 

[Anthony ross]

Are Flixbus still planning to apply for their own operators licence?

 

[overthewater]

The new Scottish Timetable is on Bus times https://bustimes.org/services/ukn10-london-newcastle-edinburgh-glasgow

 

[route101]

The new Scottish Timetable is on Bus times https://bustimes.org/services/ukn10-london-newcastle-edinburgh-glasgow

Interesting, I thought they were going to go against the M11 down the M6.

 

[extendedpaul]

I have absolutely no complaint about Flixbus, quite the reverse. Having now completed 10 return journeys on two routes the only moment of concern was a driver who, while stuck in near-stationery traffic on the M4, rushed to use the loo. However I cannot complete the survey they send me after each journey. I always try but have never yet managed to get beyond the first page. Anyone else had a similar problem ? No other problems with this PC and I do plenty of surveys.

The current 99p fares allow me to book two returns for each journey on different days or different times and then decide which combination to use for my trip. Still only costs £6 return London to Cardiff. This week I had tickets down Wednesday and Thursday and tickets back today (Friday) and tomorrow. I cancelled Wednesday, travelled yesterday, returned today and have cancelled tomorrow. It suits my particular circumstances and reasons for travelling very well.

 

[GusB]

Routeone has a news article about the new services today.

FlixBus reaches Scotland as UK network expands further - routeone

FlixBus has extended its scheduled coach network to Scotland as part of a further expansion to 10 more towns and cities in the UK.

www.route-one.net

FlixBus has extended its scheduled coach network to Scotland as part of further growth in the UK. Edinburgh and Glasgow are among 10 additional destinations, with Greenock-based McGill’s Buses introduced as a partner of the brand to deliver Anglo-Scottish services.

The latest bout of expansion means that FlixBus now serves 36 towns and cities in the UK. It follows a relaunch of the domestic FlixBus network in April and growth in May. The company observes that customer demand here is rising and that a “significant share” of its recent US$650m funding round will go towards further expansion in the UK as it bids to create the country’s largest scheduled coach network by 2025.

FlixBus UK Managing Director Andreas Schorling says: “We have had a fantastic start of operations and we have really enjoyed enabling people to travel again in these last three months.

“This is a great time for people in the UK to discover their own country and to do so sustainably travelling by coach. Our new offer includes even more towns and cities, and our modern coaches serve existing destinations more frequently. We are especially excited to travel even further afield and to expand to Scotland.”

Mr Schorling adds that FlixBus believes the UK scheduled coach market “still has the potential to grow.” All services here are delivered by partner operators and he says that FlixBus has received “strong support” from the coach industry.

McGill’s is among the latest operators to partner with FlixBus. It has invested “substantially” in new Volvo 9700 coaches for the Anglo-Scottish work, says Chairman of McGill’s Group James Easdale. The arrangement with FlixBus is McGill’s first move into long-distance coach travel, for which the operator has “assembled a team of highly experienced long-distance drivers.”

Adds Mr Easdale: “FlixBus is a huge brand that is synonymous with intercity bus travel in Europe and the United States. Everyone at McGill’s is looking forward to working to build its presence in Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

 

[johncrossley]

I've booked an overnight trip to Glasgow, and for a few quid more got a pair of seats to myself. As long as they keep allowing you to book the adjacent seat for a modest supplement, I won't be using any other coach firm if I can help it. The train rarely offers the facility to sit on your own when there is no social distancing in operation unless you go first class. The so-called 'Premium' seat reservation on the London to Bristol National Express route still means you can end up sitting next to someone else.

 

[dan5324]

I have absolutely no complaint about Flixbus, quite the reverse. Having now completed 10 return journeys on two routes the only moment of concern was a driver who, while stuck in near-stationery traffic on the M4, rushed to use the loo. However I cannot complete the survey they send me after each journey. I always try but have never yet managed to get beyond the first page. Anyone else had a similar problem ? No other problems with this PC and I do plenty of surveys.

The current 99p fares allow me to book two returns for each journey on different days or different times and then decide which combination to use for my trip. Still only costs £6 return London to Cardiff. This week I had tickets down Wednesday and Thursday and tickets back today (Friday) and tomorrow. I cancelled Wednesday, travelled yesterday, returned today and have cancelled tomorrow. It suits my particular circumstances and reasons for travelling very well.

Ah. They only left their live cab unattended then for anyone to take control of the coach on a busy motorway should they do wish. No biggie!

 

[extendedpaul]

Yes it was inappropriate but I couldn't bring myself to complain about the poor driver who was very embarrassed and apologetic.

It was on one of the services that changes driver near Heathrow and running very late through the roadworks just a few miles from the changeover point at the time.

 

[route101]

I've booked an overnight trip to Glasgow, and for a few quid more got a pair of seats to myself. As long as they keep allowing you to book the adjacent seat for a modest supplement, I won't be using any other coach firm if I can help it. The train rarely offers the facility to sit on your own when there is no social distancing in operation unless you go first class. The so-called 'Premium' seat reservation on the London to Bristol National Express route still means you can end up sitting next to someone else.

How much was it to buy the seat next to you? Went off using overnight coaches and this may be something to tempt me back.