A Setra showing the previous iDBUS logo that was used from 2012 to 2015
iDBUS was launched on 23 July 2012 with services to Amsterdam, London, and Brussels from the original hub at Paris-Bercy.[2] A domestic service between Paris and Lille was launched on 29 August 2012.
A second hub was created at Lyon-Perrache on 17 December 2012 to launch Milan and Turin destinations. On 23 May 2013, iDBUS began operating services between Marseille and Nice, Genoa and Milan. On 28 April 2014 iDBUS launched a service from Brussels to Amsterdam, London and Charles de Gaulle Airport.[3]
On 1 December 2014, iDBUS started operating into Germany, with a service from Paris to Brussels, Aachen and Cologne.[4] From 15 June 2015 iDBUS expanded further in the Benelux region, with Rotterdam and Antwerp added to the network. On the same date, a London to Lyon route started.
A Mercedes-Benz Tourismo showing the previous Ouibus logo that was used from 2015 to 2018
On 3 September 2015, iDBUS was rebranded Ouibus.[5] In July 2016, the Starshipper business was purchased.[6]
In February 2018, Ouibus entered a partnership with ALSA and National Express.[7] In November 2018, it was announced the business would be purchased by BlaBlaCar.[8]
Entering the German market in 2020, BlaBlaBus became the first major competitor of Flixbus since that company had achieved a nigh-monopoly in the German long distance bus market through market consolidation, mergers and acquisition of competitors.
Accident
On 10 April 2022, an accident happened close to Antwerp, Belgium.[9] Two occupants of the bus were instantly killed, whilst several others were left in a life-threatening condition. The driver of the bus tested positive for drugs just after the accident.[9] Police also stated that the driver of the bus was known for drug offences in the past.[9]
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