FlixBus is expanding its service in the Prairies, adding Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to an enhanced Calgary-Regina corridor starting May 7. The move comes after WestJet announced it would suspend flights to those airports on June 24.
New East-West Connections for Southern Alberta
Perry Stein, the City of Lethbridge's manager of strategic initiatives and partnerships, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. "We're really excited to see Flix announce this new service," said Stein. "It's going to link more than 200,000 people in the southern part of the province between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat that have never had this travel option before."
The new routes will provide direct east-west travel options, connecting Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Regina, Brandon, and Winnipeg. This is particularly beneficial for post-secondary students and residents needing to travel for business or leisure.
Rising Gas Prices Make Bus Travel Attractive
With increasing fuel costs, bus travel becomes an appealing alternative. Stein noted that drivers might find bus services "increasingly interesting" as gas prices rise. The service also offers a practical option for those traveling to the Calgary airport or downtown Calgary from Lethbridge.
City Efforts to Boost Transportation Options
Lethbridge city council has been proactive in enhancing transportation options. Before WestJet's announcement, officials were working on expanding travel choices. Council recently approved tax incentives to attract new businesses, which could increase demand for bus services and future airlines.
"It's kind of like more of a system approach we're taking, thinking about all the components that make a local economy tick," Stein explained.
Expanded FlixBus Network in the Prairies
Starting Thursday, FlixBus will operate three interconnected lines in the Prairies:
- An existing Edmonton-Saskatoon-Regina service
- An expanded Lethbridge-Medicin Hat-Swift Current-Moose Jaw-Regina service
- A new Regina-Brandon-Winnipeg service
This expansion is part of FlixBus's long-term vision to strengthen regional links across Canada. Karina Frayter, spokesperson for Flix North America, stated: "This launch reflects the growing demand we're seeing for intercity bus travel as Canadians look for practical alternatives to rising travel costs and more flexibility in how they travel."
