FlixBus, the company that bought Greyhound, is continuing to expand service in Canada by offering cross-border service to the US beginning next week.
Passengers will be able to travel from Toronto to New York City five days a week starting May 10.
The bus company, founded in Germany, launched its first Canadian network just last month, and says the cross-border expansion is coming quickly in order to meet growing demand.
“Ontario is already one of our best performing markets in North America,” said Pierre Gourdain, Managing Director of FlixBus North America.
“This is the logical next step, just in time for a very busy summer travel season after two years staying home, everyone is craving affordable, sustainable and shared travel experiences again. High gas prices make FlixBus an even more obvious option.”
The parent company of FlixBus purchased Greyhound in October 2021.
Last year, Greyhound Canada permanently shut down services across the country, citing poor ridership leading to crippling revenue loss. The closure dealt a blow to the rural and remote neighborhoods that relied on private bus companies for accessibility, and saw more than 400 employees lose their jobs.
FlixBus’ first cross-border routes in Ontario will run along an express line from 31st Street and 8th Avenue in New York City to Toronto’s Harbourfront, stopping in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Service will run Friday to Tuesday every week in each direction.
Buses from Toronto will leave at 10 pm and arrive in New York City at around 7:50 am Travelers returning from New York City will depart at 9 pm and arrive in Toronto around 7:10 am
Skyway Coach Lines, the company’s first local Canadian partner, will operate the Toronto to New York City route.
“The entire FlixBus network is comprised of and driven by local bus partners, many of which are family-owned. Riding with FlixBus means customers are helping to support these local businesses and play a part in giving back to the community that these partners serve,” reads a release from the company.
Competitor Megabus will resume cross-border bus services between Canada and the US starting mid-May, citing increased demand for services as more people begin traveling again. The company is also boosting existing domestic services.
FlixBus plans to add more cross-border routes in late May, between Buffalo and Toronto, as well as connecting Vancouver to cities like Seattle and Portland.
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