Galesburg is on the verge of getting daily intercity bus service that would connect riders directly to Chicago, Denver, New York City, Atlanta, and more — pending City Council approval Monday night.
The Galesburg City Council is scheduled to vote Monday, April 6 on a license agreement with Flix North America, Inc. — the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound — to operate out of the city-owned depot at 225 S. Seminary St. If approved, the company says it wants to launch service as soon as possible after that vote.
Flix North America is the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound. The company launched in Germany in 2013 and entered the United States market in 2018, acquiring Greyhound in 2021. It now operates in more than 40 countries on five continents.
FlixBus would offer two stops per day in Galesburg, with direct connections to Des Moines, Indianapolis, Peoria, Champaign, and Bloomington. From Indianapolis and Des Moines, passengers can connect to FlixBus and Greyhound’s broader national network, which includes daily service to Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, and New York City.
Part of a bigger picture
FlixBus would not be the only intercity bus service in Galesburg. Burlington Trailways ended its service here last fall, but Jefferson Lines launched intercity bus service in Galesburg in December. FlixBus works cooperatively with Jefferson Lines — the two companies offer complementary routes rather than competing directly.
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta said the arrival of FlixBus, alongside Jefferson Lines, is helping restore Galesburg’s place as a stop on the regional and national bus network after Burlington Trailways pulled out last fall.
Both services will operate out of the Amtrak depot on Seminary Street, giving passengers access to the waiting area and amenities inside the building. Gugliotta said that central location matters.
“This will provide a centralized location for passengers and allow for intermodal connectivity between rail and bus service,” he said.
Why it matters
Gugliotta said reliable intercity transportation is about more than convenience.
“It provides residents with expanded mobility options and strengthens regional connectivity,” he said. “Reliable intercity transportation is important to economic development and quality of life, supporting workforce accessibility and making the community more competitive in attracting and retaining residents and businesses.”
What the agreement includes
Under the proposed 10-year license agreement, Flix North America would pay the city $300 per month for use of the depot’s common areas in the first year. That fee would increase by 3% annually. The city retains full control and management of the depot and can revoke the license with 60 days’ notice.
The city has also identified a dedicated transit transfer facility across the street from the depot as a long-term priority — a project that would improve operational efficiency and intermodal coordination. Gugliotta said the city continues to evaluate state and federal funding opportunities for that project, but no construction timeline has been established.
The Galesburg City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Galesburg City Hall. Click here for the agenda.
