Coach & Bus UK: Showtime is almost here

It’s almost time for the industry to return en masse to the NEC Birmingham for Coach & Bus UK. The essential showcase of products, services and vehicles will be held on 2-3 October.

Over 180 exhibitors will be present and more than 75 vehicles will be on display, both within the halls and – in a development for 2019 – in the adjacent inside vehicle display area.

Additionally, many product and service launches are scheduled to take place. An autonomous bus demonstration will also be underway, and visitors can take the opportunity to ride on three electric buses in the Zero Emission Zone.

For commercial operators offering accessible vehicles, community transport organisations and local authorities, the miniplus Area is a must-visit. Leading names in the small to medium PCV sector will showcase the very latest safety equipment and vehicles.

Coach & Bus UK coincides with the routeone Awards. Now in its 15^th year, the presentation ceremony will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on the evening of 2 October. That means the two days give an unparalleled opportunity to network with suppliers and your industry peers. Click here to book tickets.

Registration for Coach & Bus UK is free of charge, and doing so in advance online will speed your entry to the show. The website is packed with news of exhibitors and sessions that are taking place over the two days.

Coach & Bus UK: Innovation at heart

Making its debut this year is the Innovation Challenge. It will give exhibitors the opportunity to put their products to the test. They will be competing for visitors votes to win an Innovation Gold Award – a new way to recognise the innovations driving the sector forward. Visitors can go to the Innovation Challenge Gallery to learn about the latest developments launched within the last 12 months and vote for their favourite new initiative. The products with the most votes will make it through to the Live Finals at 1200hrs on day two. Finalists will then deliver a fast-paced pitch to a panel of industry judges explaining why their product deserves an Innovation Gold Award. The successful names will be announced in The Theatre at 1430hrs on day two.

Turn to page 65 in this week’s issue to see the challengers’ entries.

Presenting excellence

Taking place in The Theatre throughout the show will be a range of presentations from operators and industry experts.

They will cover many key issues facing the sector. They will include accelerating diversity, autonomous coaches and buses, Brexit, real-world experience of electrification, Euro 6 retrofit for coaches and telling the difference between turnover and profit. Additionally, a mock Public Inquiry will be held.

Full details of the programme and speakers can be found here.

The above is merely a flavour of what can be seen and enjoyed at Coach & Bus UK. It’s the industry’s premier domestic showcase.

For a full overview of everything you can expect to see at the show, turn to the official event preview on pages 35-100 in this’ weeks bumper issue of routeone.

To register for your free trade pass and save time at the door, click here.