All the new routes and connections from Sheffield as coach firm FlixBus expands in the UK

Initially, Sheffield will be connected to Leeds and London. The green coaches will run between the cities up to four times a day and more destinations are planned for later this year.

Throughout the UK, FlixBus’ initial offer covers 18 routes between 12 cities. Tickets are available from 99p for a number of connections between London, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Derby, Leeds, Leicester, Loughborough, Manchester, Leeds and Swansea.

Andreas Schorling, managing director FlixBus UK: "Many citizens of Sheffield have held back their activities in the past months to reach the point where people can start to reunite. We are glad that we can provide a new, value for money mobility alternative to those travelling to finally meet their loved ones.

"Seeing the efficient vaccination program, we are hopeful that more and more passengers will have the opportunity to move around the country freely again in the upcoming months. Although the outlook is optimistic, we remain cautious: hygiene and safety continue to be our highest priority to ensure a safe journey."

Every coach will be disinfected before each journey while passengers will have to wear masks, as will drivers when away from their seat.

The row immediately behind the driver will be kept clear, and only half of the remaining seats will be sold.

A spokesman added: "FlixBus will gradually increase the number of connections to and from Sheffield in the upcoming weeks as well as add new destinations.

"The goal is to have a truly compelling offer by the summer, with new holiday destinations and a significantly increased number of cities in the domestic network. When further restrictions are lifted, FlixBus will also bring back international services between UK cities and destinations in continental Europe, such as Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. The company has bold long-term plans in the UK and aims to build the country's largest coach network by 2025."

FlixBus does not own coaches or employ drivers, wth the business model based on a collaboration with local small and medium sized companies.

Their local partners, often family-run businesses with decades of experience in the industry, take care of the day-to-day operations with revenue being shared between themselves and FlixBus.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.