Intercity bus service is expanding in Galesburg after the city council approved an agreement allowing Flix North America Inc. to operate from the city-owned Amtrak depot on South Seminary Street.
The new bus service will include twice-daily stops in Galesburg with direction connections to Des Moines, Indianapolis, Peoria, Champaign, and Bloomington — and transfers through those cities to destinations including Chicago, Denver, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and New York City.
Steve Gugliotta, director of community development for the city, said the service will work well at the Amtrak depot to provide additional connectivity. He said the city approved an agreement with Jefferson Lines late last year after Burlington Trailways ended bus service in Galesburg.
Now Flix North America Inc., which is the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, will cooperate with Jefferson Lines to provide compatible services in Galesburg, he said.
“So it won't be a situation where we're going to be overrun with a number of interstate city buses out there. They'll coordinate that and work through that together,” Gugliotta said.
FlixBus describes its services as an affordable and sustainable travel option. The company also operates in West Burlington and Quincy.
Per the agreement with Flix North America Inc., which is the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, the company will pay $300 monthly for non-exclusive use of the depot, with a 3% annual increase.
The city has identified lots across the street from the Amtrak dept as the potential site for a transit transfer facility. For now, the dedicated area for travelers waiting for buses and trains will be the depot.
“The space is available and the schedules are consistent when the trains and buses run,” said City Manager Eric Hanson. “Obviously, others will venture into downtown as well which is one of the benefits of having these services in and around our downtown.”
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