PA: FlixBus to begin service from Reading to Philadelphia and New York
By Michelle Lynch
Source Reading Eagle, Pa. (TNS)
International bus service FlixBus has announced the launch of a route connecting Reading to Philadelphia, Newark, N.J., and New York.
Service will begin May 22, with departures from the BARTA Transportation Center, 701 Franklin St., the company announced Tuesday.
The route is an important step in improving regional mobility and giving travelers easy connections between local public transit and long-distance transportation options, Flixbus said in its announcement.
“By partnering with South Central Transit Authority at the BARTA Transportation Center, we’re showing what’s possible when private transportation providers and local transit agencies come together to create true multimodal solutions,” Karina Frayter, head of communications for Flix North America, said in a statement.
Frayter said the collaboration will give riders in Berks County and beyond a car-free, convenient way to reach more destinations and that it reflects the company’s broader commitment to building a more connected transportation network and expanding access to affordable, reliable long-distance travel nationwide.
The partnership with SCTA, which oversees public transportation in Berks, also highlights the value of leveraging existing infrastructure to support multimodal travel, Greg Downing, SCTA’s executive director, said in a statement.
“South Central Transit Authority is so excited to host FlixBus at our BARTA Transportation Center as they begin offering service to Philadelphia and New York,” Downing said.
The service aligns with SCTA’s mission to support multiple transportation options for the people of Berks, he said.
County transportation planner Alan Piper announced the service Monday during Reading City Council’s committee of the whole meeting.
Piper said he learned of the service earlier Monday at a meeting of the Reading Area Transportation Study committee.
Council President Donna Reed, a member of the committee, noted FlixBus, which is based in Munich, Germany, offers travel options across Europe, North America and elsewhere and has 120,000 daily connections within the European continent.
“That we are on their radar screen, I think, is pretty terrific,” she said. “And hopefully, that’s an indicator of our outreach, marketing and economic development.”
The company said it emphasizes sustainable travel practices and uses a technology platform to manage bookings and customer service.
Service is focused on providing comfortable and convenient travel for all passengers, including those with disabilities or reduced mobility. Buses are equipped with amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets and restrooms according to FlixBus.
Key details of the new service include:
- Stops served: Reading, Malvern, Philadelphia, Newark and New York with select trips via Easton and Allentown.
- Frequency: Three departures and arrivals per day, Thursday through Monday; and two departures and arrivals per day, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Intermodal hub: Service operates from BARTA Transportation Center, 701 Franklin St. offering seamless connections to local transit services.
Tickets are now available at flixbus.com and on the FlixBus mobile app.
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