Flixbus wants to be national long-distance bus service for users of a possible 9-euro successor ticket. The aim is to close the gap between regional and long-distance transport. André Schwämmlein, co-founder and CEO of Flixbus parent company Flix, says:
"For travelers, long-distance buses have been the most affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport for years – so I think the idea of a 'climate ticket' is great in principle. However, the 9-euro ticket had some weaknesses."
Flixbus: “We are ready to relieve traffic congestion”
Talks with politicians have been ongoing since the spring. Direct connections from rural areas to major cities were lacking and were overloaded during the three-month €9 offer. Flixbus is intended to remedy this. Schwämmlein says:
"In rural areas, people rely on long-distance buses if they want to leave their cars at home. If a future 'climate ticket' is to be comprehensive and available to everyone, the following applies: It won't work without long-distance buses. We are ready to relieve traffic congestion."
The Pursue describes long-distance buses as the most sustainable form of public transport in Germany. Including long-distance buses in the future service would create "added value for millions" at a "fraction of the financing volume." Buses and trains must "complement each other, jointly creating more traffic and a better service beyond cars and planes," Schwämmlein continued. He is conducting discussions with political decision-makers at the federal and state levels regarding implementation and financing.
