Prepare to be inspired. Two key industry figures will be a popular draw for operators at the trade event this October
Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, and Gareth Powell, Managing Director of Surface Transport at Transport for London (TfL), will host opening day keynote sessions.
Mr Griffiths will be talking about the future role of autonomous vehicles in the PCV sector. Known for his inspirational leadership and strong customer-focused approach, he has been an integral part of the British transport giant for over 20 years.
Under his leadership, the multi-modal operator continues to spearhead ground-breaking new technologies to ‘progress and improve’ operations for its 2.5m passengers every day.
In his exclusive keynote at 1100hrs, he will be sharing insights from Stagecoach’s first UK trials of a full-size autonomous Enviro200. Plus, looking ahead to next year’s more significant government-funded trial of five similar buses, which will carry Stagecoach passengers across Scotland’s Forth Bridge.
Mr Griffiths says: “This is an extremely exciting time for mass transit and new technology is bringing huge opportunities for the public transport sector.”
Show visitors will be able to see this new technology in action for themselves, with an exclusive series of trade-only demos in a full-size autonomous bus running in Level 4 autonomy, taking place across both days of Coach & Bus UK.
Gareth Powell from Transport for London is another major new speaker. He is responsible for the capital’s bus services, as well as the road network, the DLR, and much more – including implementing the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) four months ago.
With dozens of UK towns and cities looking to establish Clean Air Zones within the next year or so, Mr Powell’s keynote will prove popular to operators and local authorities looking to find out more about the impact and successes of ULEZ.
The seminar line-up also includes Chris McKeown, Chief Engineer at Go-Ahead London, who along with his team looks after the biggest fleet of electric buses in the UK. His seminar starts at 1200hrs, on the opening day (2 October).
Graham Vidler, the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s UK Chief Executive, will be hosting the opening address – highlighting the CPT’s industry vision and supporting strategy for the future of coaches and buses.
Other speakers include Nick Denton, the Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands, and Laura Hadzik from Backhouse Jones, who will be hosting an exclusive mock Public Inquiry.
Steven Salmon, International Manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, will be discussing the impact of Brexit on UK and EU coach operations.
Plus Transport specialist Steve Whiteway, the former MD of Epsom Coaches, will be sharing his practical advice for profitable success.
More speaker reveals will be announced soon.
