FlixBus is set to restart some of its service. Here's what to expect on board

After temporarily stopping service in March during the coronavirus pandemic, FlixBus is ready to hit the road. Starting June 25, it will relaunch select routes,hoping to expand that service as consumer demand increases. 

"We've been quietly waiting for travel demand to get back," said Michael Kahn, head of business development for FlixBus. 

FlixBus reduced its service in mid-March before going into what Kahn described as indefinite "hibernation" March 22, according to the Arizona Republic, which is part of the Paste BN Network.

He said the company carefully evaluated the right time to restart. 

"I think also we want to make sure when we do restart, we're doing so in a way that is safe for our passengers, for our drivers, for everyone else involved just to make sure we're not contributing to further spread," Kahn said. "Then obviously the economics of the business, it is hard to make it work when there's nobody, there's zero demand for travel." 

As states reopen and demand returns, FlixBus is seeing a return of customers wanting to ride. Kahn said the reopening of Las Vegas played a role in that. 

"We're so excited to get the business running to get buses back on the road," he said.

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Will you have to wear a mask on the bus?

The company reviewed its policies and procedures and surveyed customers on what they would need to see to feel comfortable riding the bus again. 

"We have a new safety process we're going to roll out as part of this relaunch," Kahn said.

Along with touchless check-in and added cleaning and sanitation of high-touch areas, the bus line will provide hand sanitizer upon boarding and the option to buy the next seat for added space. 

Drivers will wear masks and gloves, and passengers will be required to wear masks. Bus drivers will have a limited number available for those who forget to bring one.

"Everything that we have seen in terms of the actual research, as well as just people's comfortability getting back into travel, requires that face masks are part of that solution," Kahn said.

FlixBus routes starting June 25

• Boston-New York-Philadelphia-Washington-Richmond.
• Dallas-Houston.
• Los Angeles-San Francisco.
• Los Angeles-San Diego.
• Los Angeles-Las Vegas.
• Phoenix-Los Angeles.
• Phoenix-Las Vegas (starting July 2).
• Orlando-Miami.
• San Francisco-Sacramento.
• Seattle-Portland.

You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.