As the busiest travel season of the year approaches, motorcoach operators in the U.S. could see a boost in passengers, thanks to a new partnership between Busbud and Walmart+.
The collaboration offers Walmart+ members a $10 cash-back incentive for booking intercity bus travel through Busbud, a move that could fill more seats for bus operators nationwide.
“We want to help our partners, especially bus operators, fill empty seats,” said Marin Vallee, Busbud’s VP of Global Distribution. “With this new partnership, we’re aligning with Walmart+ to tap into a vast customer base, right as millions of Americans are making travel plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.”
Busbud, a global booking platform based in Montreal, works with about 50 motorcoach operators across the U.S., offering routes that span the entire country. The partnership with Walmart+ aims to make intercity bus travel more appealing to travelers, who will get $10 Walmart Cash after completing their trip.
Walmart+ is a paid shopping membership program that offers on-line and in-store benefits to members.
Peak travel time
The timing is critical. According to AARP, over 55 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, while over 115 million are expected to travel during the broader holiday season. Busbud’s partnership with Walmart+ targets this high-volume travel period, encouraging Walmart+ members to choose buses over cars or flights.
“For operators, this partnership offers valuable visibility,” Vallee said. “The Walmart+ collaboration gives motorcoach companies a unique chance to attract passengers who may not have considered bus travel but who appreciate convenience and savings.”
Busbud’s marketplace allows travelers to compare bus operators, read reviews, and book tickets for routes offered by major motorcoach carriers like Greyhound, FlixBus, and Trailways, along with regional operators.
For smaller companies, the exposure through Walmart+ could be especially impactful, offering a new pipeline of passengers.
In addition to affordability, Vallee pointed out the sustainability benefits of bus travel.
“Buses are a much more sustainable option than flying or driving alone. By filling more seats, we’re not only helping operators but also supporting eco-friendly travel,” he said.
The cash-back offer is available exclusively to Walmart+ members in the U.S. through Jan. 7. It comes at no extra cost to Walmart+ membership.
“This partnership offers a valuable opportunity to align with a well-known brand, and we believe it’s only the beginning,” Vallee said.
