Global Bus Transport Provider FlixBus To Launch Service In India By 2024

Global transportation provider FlixBus has announced that it is going to start its operations in India as it plans to launch in the country by 2024.

The transportation provider aims to enter the robust bus transportation market of India, which is larger than Europe, Türkiye and North America combined, the company said. FlixBus sees immense space for growth in the country by offering affordable, sustainable, and safe long-distance bus services.  

Making the announcement, André Schwämmlein, cofounder and CEO, FlixBus said, “ I’m excited to share that India will join the FlixBus network as the 42nd country worldwide…We are confident that our unique business model to work with small and medium-sized local bus partners and our technology for planning, booking operations and pricing will be a winning match also in India.”

He further added that FlixBus is looking to invest in the local market and create employment opportunities. Further the company also aims at standardisation and safety to enter the competitive market.

According to him, India is growing in the electric vehicle space and thus, it is an opportunity for FlixBus to be a key local player in the development of the sustainable travel industry, setting up infrastructure and further development in the country.

FlixBus aims to grab the Indian market opportunity and be one of the key contributors in the sustainable travelling business in the country. Though FlixBus handles technology, customer service, quality management, network planning, as well as marketing and sales; local Flix-partners run the day-to-day operations and driver management. 

The global transportation provider uses alternative fuel such as biogas, electric or solar panels, and hydrogen buses to pursue its long-term goal of fully decarbonising its travel offerings. 

FlixBus claims to be present in 40 countries across four continents. It looks at the growing demand for sustainable transportation facilities along with online booking options in India, as the key growth factors.

This year, in February, FreshBus secured $3.1 Mn from ixigo to launch inter-city electric bus services across India.

Also, last year, GreenCell Express signed a $55 Mn deal with Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Clean Technology Fund (CTF). It also received a $5.2 Mn grant from Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg-backed Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF). 

According to a study conducted by Statista, the revenue generation from bus transportation in India is expected to show an annual growth rate of 4.03% between 2023-2027, resulting in a projected market volume of $1.19 Bn by 2027. And, by 2027, the number of consumers of bus service in the country is expected to reach 125.10 Mn.