FlixBus has expanded its Ontario service with a new stop at Queen’s, adding travel options for students and Kingston residents.
The stop, located at Union Street in front of Goodes Hall, launched Feb. 23 and connects Kingston with Toronto, Scarborough, Port Hope, Cobourg, Belleville, and Ottawa.
Before the new Queen’s stop was introduced, FlixBus pickups in Kingston took place at 275 Wellington Street. Most FlixBus departures in the city still operate from that location.
According to a media release from FlixBus, the route offers two daily departures in each direction, seven days a week. Buses include amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and luggage allowances, with reserved seating available for an additional fee.
In a statement to The Journal, Karina Frayter, head of communications at Flix North America, said Queen’s was a good location for the company’s expanding Canadian network.
“Interest in intercity bus travel is growing, and Queen’s University was a natural addition to our Ontario service given its location and large student population,” Frayter said.
She said the company expects steady demand from students traveling throughout the school year, particularly around long weekends, academic breaks, and the start and end of term. The Queen’s stop is intended to be a long-term addition to the network.
“Student communities rely on affordable, accessible, and convenient travel options whether they’re heading home, visiting friends at other schools, internships, or weekend trips,” she said. “Our goal is to make staying connected simple and reliable throughout the school year.”
The addition places a bus stop every day, directly on campus, something not offered by several other intercity bus services operating in Kingston.
Megabus, for example, primarily runs routes between Kingston and Toronto and typically departs from the Kingston Bus Terminal. Other companies, including Rider Express and Greyhound, operate from off-campus locations such as Division Street or Wellington Street.
Several anonymous respondents to a Reddit post asking about the service described FlixBus as a convenient option, particularly because of its downtown pickup location.
Other Reddit respondents said they generally had positive experiences with the service, though some noted fares from the Queen’s stop can be higher than departures from the Wellington Street location.
FlixBus owns the Greyhound brand and has been expanding its Canadian network in recent years as demand for intercity bus travel continues to grow.
Tags
Flixbus, Queen's, Transportation, Travel
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