Hitting the road again
Affordable green bus service resumes most popular route from Dallas
While travelers still may be warming up to the idea of flying amid the coronavirus pandemic, an affordable bus company has re-emerged from its COVID-shutdown to provide a transportation alternative from Dallas.
Beginning June 25, FlixBus will resume Dallas service of its eco-friendly buses, starting with just one route — the popular one to Houston (and back).
"We suspended our long-distance bus service in the United States on March 22 and have been working with our local bus partners to return in a safe manner," the company says in a statement. "We're resuming service with a limited number of cities and buses, and we're doing our best to safely add more in the next few weeks."
To start, they'll run buses between Dallas and Houston about five days a week (weekday and weekend).
"Whether it’s to visit and reconnect with a loved one, your first weekend escape in a while, or being an essential worker and needing a way to get to your next assignment, we're ready to get you there safely in an affordable and sustainable manner," the company says.
As travelers have come to expect, there will be enhanced safety protocols in place. Buses will be thoroughly disinfected after each trip, they say. Passengers should also know the following:
- Passengers must wear face coverings while onboard. Passengers not wearing one will not be allowed to board the bus. All passenger must bring their own face covering. Passengers may use a medical mask, scarf, or other acceptable forms of face coverings. Children under the age of 2 are not required to wear face coverings.
- Hand sanitizer is available for customers at the front entrance of the bus.
- Drivers are required to wear mask and gloves.
- First row seats located behind the driver are not for sale to ensure social distancing from driver.
- Digital passenger check-in will be offered for a touchless boarding experience.
- Updated safety instructions and information will be provided by driver at arrivals and departures.
"We kindly remind passengers, please do not travel if you are sick," the company asks.
From Dallas, FlixBus normally offers routes to Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Tyler, and Houston, and back. The company has not indicated when the non-Houston routes will come back.
FlixBus seeks to be a sustainable alternative to a private car, boasting carbon-neutral and electric buses with Wi-Fi, entertainment, power outlets, and leg room. Rates are kept low, typically at $4.99 or less for one way. FlixBus has served more than 100 million passengers since launching in 2013, traveling to more than 2,000 destinations in 28 countries. Travelers can book their trips here.
