The Euro Bus Expo Masterclass Stage speaker programme has been announced by event organiser Diversified Communications ahead of the UK’s only dedicated coach and bus trade show returning to the NEC Birmingham between 12-14 November.
Its release continues preparation for this year’s flagship event. Speakers will focus on what Diversified says are “the industry’s most pressing concerns,” with topics extending from coach industry consolidation and PSVAR to the future structure of bus services, compliance in the digital world, and building resilience within the workforce.
Confirmed speakers include suppliers, operators and other stakeholders, while the schedule includes four, 10-minute lightning talks along with the ever-popular Innovation Challenge.
Day one – Tuesday 12 November
A vision for Net-Zero: Beyond zero-emission fleets: Busreinvented Director and former Stagecoach Group senior leader Bob Montgomery will open with a session on the vital role that buses must play in helping the UK to achieve its net-zero targets.
Beyond zero-emission fleets, Mr Montgomery will explore how net-zero will reshape the size, structure, funding and governance of bus networks over the coming 25 years. His insights will challenge visitors to think critically about the changes needed to meet environmental goals.
International perspectives on bus service structuring: Ascendal Group Founder and Executive Chairman Adam Leishman will share expertise on bus franchising models. That will draw upon his experience in the Hong Kong, London and Singapore markets, with an analysis of contracting structures to offer key takeaways for local transport authorities looking to ensure that franchising is successful.
Consolidation in the coach industry: Friend or foe?: Don’t Travel Empty CEO James Howells will address the implications of consolidation in the coach industry as investors and large businesses continue to expand their reach in the sector.
Mr Howells will offer strategies to operators that are considering selling or preparing for the impact of competitors being acquired. His insight will be particularly relevant as the promise of further consolidation accelerates.
Latest developments in decarbonising coaches: Insights from the new BluMarbl and Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) report: BluMarbl Director Andrew Luckett will deliver a deep dive into a newly published report by BluMarbl and CPT that forms the most comprehensive analysis of coach and bus data in the UK.
It models over 80 million kilometres of journeys and examines the carbon impact of over 50,000 coaches and buses. Mr Luckett will also provide an update on the first dedicated charging network for coaches in Scotland, which will power the battery-electric coaches purchased with support from the second round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund.
In addition, this session will cover information on pay-as-you go charging options, sustainable home-to-school transport solutions, and other valuable resources for operators aiming for fleet decarbonisation.
Electric depots and integrated charging solutions: This moderated session will focus on launching an electric depot. Speaking will be Oxford Bus Company Managing Director Luke Marion and Zenobē Director of Business Development Julia Meek.
They will delve into the challenges and successes of developing an all-electric depot from recent experience in Oxford, providing valuable insights and a model for future projects.
Following that, a panel discussion will explore integrated charging solutions to maximise efficiency and revenue in battery-electric bus operations. It will cover cost-effective grid connections, advanced technology integration, and monetising idle charging infrastructure.
Speakers will be Vattenfall IDNO Business Developer Gary Jacobs; EO Charging Director of eBus Philip Kershaw; and ChargePoint Segment Sales Director for Bus and Transit Uwe Munch.
DVSA on PSVAR: Navigating compliance: A representative of DVSA will provide an update on PSVAR, giving essential guidance and offering insights into best practice – a must-attend for industry members looking to ensure their operations meet the latest standards.
Navigating compliance in a digital world: Backhouse Jones Legal Director James Backhouse will delve into what excellence looks like for compliance management systems in a digital world. Mr Backhouse will also cover topics including the Bus Open Data Service, management structures, and effective lines of communication.
Day two – Wednesday 13 November
CPT Operators Forum: Show partner CPT will take over the Masterclass Stage with its CPT Operators Forum, which will be open to all show visitors. This first such annual event will explore key topics including artificial intelligence, strategies for meeting the continued challenge of accessibility, recruitment, and coach-friendly tourism.
Visitors will also have the chance to engage with authorities in a session dedicated to regulatory and compliance issues. The day will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the future of coach, revealing new research by CPT and KPMG on the economic value of the coach industry that evaluates trends, technologies, sustainability, and evolving passenger expectations.
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler says that the Confederation is excited to launch its CPT Operators Forum at Euro Bus Expo and address some of the most pressing issues facing coach and bus.
“The Forum complements the wider programme, which is packed with sessions that reflect the challenges and opportunities our industry faces, and we are confident that it will provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration they need to drive their businesses forward.
“As we finalise the details, we are looking forward to revealing even more about what attendees can expect from this year’s event.”
Day two will end with the routeone Awards presentation evening, crowning the industry’s finest people and operators and held at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham, adjacent to the NEC. Ticket sales are currently open via the routeone Awards website.
Day three – Thursday 14 November
Charting the future of bus services: ALBUM Chair and Stephensons of Essex Managing Director Bil Hiron and ALBUM Policy Advisor Tony Depledge will lead this session in exploring what the bus industry needs to ensure that proposed changes to bus service regulatory, funding and delivery mechanisms benefit passengers and operators.
They will focus on how local market knowledge of small businesses is maintained and navigating the landscape within a constrained funding environment.
Operating zero-emission coaches and buses: Everyday considerations: Longstanding zero-emission specialist David Yorke, Director of Future Zero Emission, will provide an overview of the operational considerations for zero-emission coaches and buses.
Mr Yorke will discuss the decision-making strategy for choosing their right zero-emission technology, with a focus on drivelines and their operational and maintenance implications, and offer guidance for futureproofing fleets.
Lessons from Fastrack Electric: Kent County Council Network Development Manager Shane Hymers will share lessons from the ongoing electrification of Kent’s showcase Fastrack bus rapid transit system. He will outline financial and operational considerations, including vehicle choice, funding strategies, and the benefits of pursuing long-term contracts to secure investment.
Exploring driver health and wellbeing: Essential insights for a resilient workforce: D4Drivers CEO Dr Grant Charlesworth-Jones, Association of Trainers CEO Ross Lockett, and Women in Transport Interim CEO Dal Kalirai will take part in a moderated panel discussion on the critical issues of driver health, wellbeing and resilience.
Dr Charlesworth-Jones will use the latest research to address strategies for improving physical health among drivers, offering low-cost solutions to enhance workforce wellbeing. Mr Lockett will address the mental health challenges faced by drivers. The session will equip operators with insights to support a healthier and more resilient workforce.
Lightning talks: Quick insights into industry topics: A series of 10-minute talks that offer rapid insights into:
- Inclusive cab design: Caroline Ward of Women in Transport and Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie will highlight the importance of inclusive cab design. That will showcase efforts to create safer, more comfortable and inclusive workspaces for drivers.
- Unlocking the potential of public transport: Department for Transport Bus Open Data Service Digital Projects Lead Triumph Okojie will present on the transformative impact of open data initiatives, using BODS as a key model for success.
- Demystifying social value: Surbon Consulting Director Rachel Hughes will explain the concept of social value in the public transport sector, offering practical examples that focus of how it can be measured and implemented.
- Innovative approaches to franchising: ITS Vix Technology Product Director Sue Walnut will discuss technological challenges and opportunities in bus franchising, focusing on managing technology change and leveraging operators’ expertise.
Innovation Challenge: Showcasing industry innovation: The final day of Euro Bus Expo will feature the Innovation Challenge. Exhibitors will pitch their products and services to a panel of judges. Finalists will get 90 seconds to impress with their innovations, with winners to be announced for Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.
The Challenge will celebrate the industry’s most promising advancements and provide valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.
Tickets for Euro Bus Expo are free and registration is now open. Further information can be found on the show website. For stand sales opportunities, contact Sales Manager Martin Laverton via email.
