Bus Giants Team Up: Greyhound's Latest Route Merger
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Notice
Summary
Flixbus SE, Flix North America, and Greyhound are teaming up to keep control of a new bus company called Pacific Northwest Bus LLC. The government is giving a thumbs-up to this plan, as long as no one objects by April 27, 2026. This move helps these companies keep their bus services running smoothly in the Pacific Northwest without any hiccups.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Approval May Expand Northwest Bus Service
The Surface Transportation Board tentatively approved Flix SE, Flix North America, and Greyhound to continue in control of Pacific Northwest Bus LLC. Pacific intends to add scheduled intercity service in unserved or underserved areas of California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; the approval becomes effective April 28, 2026 if no comments are filed by April 27, 2026.
Potential More Competition and Fare Choices
The applicants state that adding Pacific's service in underserved areas will increase competition and provide more choices of carriers and fares for the traveling public. That increased competition is presented as a public benefit in the application.
New Jobs for Drivers and Mechanics
Applicants say the transaction will create new jobs for drivers, mechanics, and support personnel when Pacific begins operations. These jobs are expected in the regions where Pacific plans to introduce service.
STB Approval Does Not Authorize Operations
The Board's approval to continue in control does not give Pacific the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authority required to operate as an interstate passenger motor carrier. FMCSA authority must still be obtained under 49 CFR part 365 before Pacific can operate interstate service.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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