Euro Bus Expo set to showcase latest coach and bus innovations

Euro Bus Expo organiser Diversified Communications has announced further details of what visits to the coach and bus industry trade show can expect to see.

To be staged at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November, at the time of writing 185 exhibitors were committed with a handful of stands still available. Over 70 vehicles from 23 dealers and manufacturers will be on site, and visitors will be able to discover products and services that showcase innovation specific to the industry.

One of the most anticipated elements of Euro Bus Expo is the Innovation Challenge. It will highlight groundbreaking products and services. Participants’ entries will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge Gallery. Visitors will vote for their favourites among those over the first two days of the show.

On day three, a representative from each of the 11 Innovation Challenge finalists will deliver a 90-second pitch to a live audience and judging panel. The latter includes Belle Vue Coaches Managing Director Phil Hitchen; Leach-O’Connell Consultancy MD Chloe Leach-O’Connell; Confederation of Passenger Transport Operations Director Keith McNally; and Trentbarton MD Tom Morgan.

Winners will be revealed at 1500hrs on 14 November, with the ultimate prize being an Innovation Challenge Gold Award.

Entries are:

• Brickets from ShuttleID, a new digital bus ticket that works on virtually any ‘brick’ mobile phone and which has been developed to meet the need for alternatives to smartphones.
• Bus ESS Re-Cell Service from Altertek. It safely replaces end-of-life battery cells while retaining most original components to extend the energy storage system life.
• Control 360 from Omnibus and EPM Bus Solutions. It enables bus operations to run smoothly by integrating data from multiple systems into one platform, allowing teams to resolve real-time issues efficiently.
• Insight-AI from Freeway Fleet Systems. This product provides real-time and historical insights into fleet maintenance via easy-to-read dashboards.
• Intangles Predictive AI for Vehicles from Intangles Private Lab. Predictive AI alerts fleet managers to developing faults before they trigger fault codes, allowing for timely interventions.
• Next Generation Floors for Next Generation Vehicles from Altro Transflor. Next-generation floors for zero-emission buses give enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation for comfort and efficiency, with a lightweight design to optimise vehicle range.
• On Board Hub from Navaho Technologies and Synectics Security. This secure system is powered by the supplier’s OVC platform that integrates multiple onboard applications including automatic vehicle location, CCTV, passenger information, and more.
• Sharebus – crowdfunding of coach trips, by Ferdia. Sharebus is a digital platform that allows event organisers or customers to set up trips without financial risk.
• The Coach Customer’s Dream, by Ferdia. A cloud-based, open coach management system that offers vehicle tracking, trip ratings, change alerts and easy customer management.
• Unity, from MiX by Powerfleet. This product is a software-as-a-service platform that integrates diverse Internet of Things devices and data sources and uses AI and machine learning to deliver actionable insights, enhancing safety, compliance, sustainability and efficiency.
• VEV-IQ, from VEV. A smart energy management platform for commercial EV fleets, VEV-IQ integrates chargers, vehicles and energy systems to ensure efficient fleet management.

Further information on all participating products and entrants can be found on the Euro Bus Expo website.

Early Euro Bus Expo show highlights announced

In addition to the Innovation Challenge, numerous exhibitors will present their latest offerings for coach, bus and minibus at Euro Bus Expo.

In fleet management, AES Fleet/Webfleet will answer fleet-related questions using its Webfleet AI Assistant, helping operators to gain insights into fuel consumption trends, driving behaviour, and more. Aquarius IT will demonstrate its advanced suite of integrated compliance systems, making fleet management and reporting light work for operators.

For passenger information systems, Journeo will offer an immersive experience showcasing how connected technology helps people to confidently choose sustainable transport. Visitors will discover how a single software platform can unite data, solutions and journeys across buses, trains, trams, stops, and stations.

UrbanThings will showcase its custom-branded app and website solutions, enabling operators to provide passengers with real-time information, journey planning and ticketing solutions. Metric Tristarinc will present its on-board fleet software that includes real-time journey information displays and passenger counting devices.

Exploring safety and security technologies, SURE Solutions will present custom-made CCTV and software systems that are designed to enhance passenger safety, deter anti-social behaviour, reduce insurance premiums and fraudulent claims, and mitigate liability.

Ashtree Vision and Safety will showcase its Camera Mirror System to replace traditional mirrors and improve safety for drivers. Centrad will launch an AI-powered dashcam, which takes a proactive approach to incident prevention, improving driver behaviour and reducing insurance claims and costs.

D.tec International will highlight its market-leading DrugWipe Dual, used for safety-critical anti-drug screening. The Matador Company will debut its OEM wiper blades, engineered for superior visibility and durability in all weather conditions.

A variety of financial and business services will be available. Asset Alliance Group will offer expert consultation, direct lending and broker services to help operators purchase new and used vehicles. Towergate Insurance will provide bespoke insurance solutions for coach, bus and minibus fleets.

Staff and engineering resources will be easily accessible. C9 Recruitment, an award-winning agency for drivers and engineers, invites visitors to participate in its charity initiative, supporting Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Andysmanclub, and Women’s Aid. Visitors are also invited to enter a mystery spin the charity wheel prize draw on its stand.

GTG Engineering will showcase how it delivers customised, cost-effective, and sustainable engineering resource, ensuring high-quality performance and client satisfaction.

For visitors focused on efficient pricing and tendering solutions, Coach Hire Comparison will introduce its automatic pricing model, which generates instant quotes without requiring operators to submit individual bids. WideSense will showcase how its AI-powered Tender Response Service optimises electric bus operations to create bids that minimise costs and risk and maximise efficiency.

For those interested in workshop tools and equipment, MAHA UK will showcase C_RGA mobile column lifts, available in 7,500kg and 8,500kg variants. They combine established safety technology with new features to improve connectivity and reliability, making them a valuable addition to any workshop. Totalkare will showcase its lifting and testing solutions, including its mobile column lift.

A not-to-be-missed event for the whole industry

In addition to the vehicles, products and services that will be displayed at Euro Bus Expo, the three-day event will host the Masterclass Theatre, delivering three days of key coach and bus content from a wide range of speakers. Day two of the show will feature the CPT Operators Forum within that environment.

When coupled to the routeone Awards presentation evening at the nearby The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham on 13 November, Euro Bus Expo is shaping up to be the must-attend event for industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the latest trends and technologies.

Visitor registration is free of charge and can be completed via the Euro Bus Expo website. For sales enquiries, please contact Sales Manager Martin Laverton via email.