A Florida bus company shines in Texas and is optimistic that the company’s middle ground between low-cost carriers and luxury lines could prove popular in the Lone Star State.
After a decade in Florida, RedCoach is launching non-stop service in Houston, Dallas, Austin, College Station and Waco on Monday. Houston service will arrive and depart from the Residence Inn Downtown on Dallas Street.
The company is modeled on the service in Argentina, where buses serve various customers. While low-cost airlines compete on the basis of price and other lines lure drivers with amenities, RedCoach aims for that – with larger reclining seats, free snacks, Wi-Fi, and no baggage fees.
“We don’t see bus companies as our competitors,” said Florencia Cirigliano, Vice President of Marketing at RedCoach. “We compete with other travel options.”
As Texas’s population has increased – by 4 million people – over the past decade, so has the demand for travel between metropolitan areas. Various bus routes have lined up to meet this need as driving a car becomes a hassle and flying becomes a chore for some.
“I would avoid going to Austin or Dallas if I could,” said Tim Welch, 42, who lives in the Heights but grew up in Dallas. “And when you fly, when you arrive at the airport and wait and fly and get from the airport to where you want to go, it’s about the same time.”
Cirigliano said that when people emerge from the pandemic they are interested in travel but take into account many new considerations such as:
“We feel we are entering this market,” said Cirigliano, noting that Florida travel patterns are similar, as is the interest in avoiding driving.
Each of RedCoach’s buses has 26 seats, about half as many low-cost carriers. Prices vary based on location and demand, with a low of around $ 25 each way and a high of $ 60. Through November 15, the company is selling tickets for $ 15 as an introduction to the Texas routes.
According to the company’s website, two trips to Austin and three to Dallas are planned daily. The planning for the Waco and College Station was not published.
dug.begley@chron.com
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