On the way to Euro Bus Expo 2024: what visitors should expect? Our interview with Event Director Helen Conway

Euro Bus Expo, the largest UK based coach and bus industry trade event, is set to go live in Birmingham on 12-14 November. The exhibition’s promise? Being “a must-attend for operators, local authorities, community transport organisations, transport planners, and municipalities from across the UK and Europe”. Over 180 exhibitors are expected from across the supply chain.

Helen Conway, Euro Bus Expo’s Event Director, tells us about what visitors should expect.

Euro Bus Expo 2024, expectations!

How has Euro Bus Expo evolved over the years, and what can attendees expect from this year’s edition?

Euro Bus Expo has evolved significantly since its launch in 1983. What started as the ‘Coach and Bus’ show, with a focus on vehicles and smaller component parts, has adapted to reflect the changing landscape of the industry. As the industry’s purchasing practices changed, and as technology became a driving force, the show adapted. Over the years, we’ve embraced digitalisation, telematics, and AI-powered systems that enhance fleet management and passenger experience.

Our rebranding to Euro Bus Expo marked a pivotal shift toward an international platform, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across Europe.

Despite these changes, what has remained constant is the strong sense of community and camaraderie. The show has always been about bringing the industry together to explore the latest products, share insights, and collaborate on challenges. Euro Bus Expo continues to evolve with it, and this year’s focus on sustainability, decarbonisation, and digitalisation demonstrates how we’re keeping pace with what matters most to operators today.

This year, attendees can expect to see advancements in low- and zero-emission vehicles, battery technologies, and future-proof products designed to meet sustainability targets. Our seminar programme will address critical topics like decarbonising fleets, industry structure, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. Additionally, we’re launching Euro Bus Expo Connect, a platform to enhance networking and help attendees make the most of their time at the show.

Key topics at Euro Bus Expo 2024

What are the key trends and innovations that will be highlighted at Euro Bus Expo this year?

First, I’d mentions sustainability and decarbonisation: as net-zero targets grow increasingly more important, sustainability takes centre stage at Euro Bus Expo. Attendees will see the latest in low- and zero-emission vehicles, and there will be a focus on battery-electric options and alternative fuels. Key innovations such as Altertek’s Bus ESS Re-Cell Service, which extends the life of energy storage systems (ESS) through cell replacement, will offer bus operators cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to full replacements. Charging infrastructure advancements will also be showcased to support operators in their transition to greener fleets. Seminar sessions will explore the broader implications of net-zero, from fleet decarbonisation to the operational challenges of electrifying depots.

Second pillar of our 2024 edition will be digitalisation: digital tools are essential for modern fleet management, and this year’s show will highlight numerous AI-powered systems and telematics solutions. Notable innovations include Intangles Predictive AI, which uses advanced algorithms to predict vehicle faults before they manifest, reducing breakdowns and improving fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Omnibus and EPM’s Control360 centralises operational data, allowing control rooms to manage bus operations with maximum efficiency. Masterclass Theatre sessions will also explore digital compliance management and optimising real-time data, ensuring operators stay ahead of the curve.

Bus franchising and coach industry consolidation is another key topic. Euro Bus Expo will address two significant developments in the UK landscape: the ongoing adoption of bus franchising by local authorities and the increasing frequency of consolidation in the coach industry. A seminar will explore the structuring of bus services, with case studies from regions including London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while another lightning talk in the Masterclass Theatre will focus on technology requirements for bus franchising. Meanwhile, the coach industry is witnessing smaller operators being acquired by larger groups. A dedicated session will provide operators with strategies to navigate these changes, whether considering selling or managing competition from larger entities.

Then, passenger experience enhancements: as passenger expectations evolve, innovations that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety are essential. At Euro Bus Expo, visitors will find innovations in real-time journey tracking, contactless payment systems, and improved accessibility features. This year, Altro Transflor’s next-generation floors will demonstrate how thermal and acoustic insulation can create a more comfortable environment for passengers, while Navaho Technologies’ On-Board Hub will integrate passenger information, safety cameras, and telematics into a single platform, improving the overall passenger experience. A seminar on the accessibility challenge will focus on creating more inclusive travel environments, helping operators expand ridership.

I would mention also regulatory compliance and safety: navigating regulatory changes is a key concern for operators, and Euro Bus Expo provides resources to address these challenges in the Masterclass Theatre. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency will present on the first day, before joining transport solicitors Backhouse Jones on the second day in an open forum.

Driver wellbeing and workforce inclusion is nevertheless crucial: ensuring driver wellbeing and inclusion is another key focus this year. Sessions will explore low-cost strategies for promoting driver health and wellbeing, while the seminar on Inclusive Cab Design will present initiatives to create driver environments that prioritise comfort and accessibility. These efforts are key to building a resilient and diverse workforce.

Last but not least, innovation challenge: the final day will feature the Innovation Challenge, where products like Fleetwise’s EcoTrack, an advanced telematics system designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions through AI-driven route optimisation, will be pitched. This innovation provides real-time insights for operators, helping to lower operational costs while supporting sustainability efforts. Exhibitors will present cutting-edge technologies, offering fresh insights into the future of the industry.

Euro Bus Expo 2024, the newcomers

Are there any new or notable exhibitors making their debut at Euro Bus Expo this year?

This year’s Euro Bus Expo brings together both new and returning exhibitors. Notable debuts include Ekoenergetyka, a leader in charging infrastructure solutions for electric fleets, and Envevo, known for its work in energy management and green technologies. Intangles, a specialist in AI-driven vehicle diagnostics and predictive maintenance, will also be making its debut, offering solutions that enhance fleet efficiency.

Snapper Services (UK) will present cutting-edge smart mobility solutions, while Everlux will showcase innovations in passenger safety and visual communication systems. Meanwhile, Vattenfall brings its expertise in clean energy solutions, particularly focusing on electrifying transport systems.

These new exhibitors, alongside familiar names, ensure that this year’s show remains a key platform for innovation and industry progress. The full exhibitor list is available on the show website.

With the increasing focus on electric and zero-emission vehicles, what can attendees expect to see in this category at the Expo?

While some manufacturers have yet to confirm the specific vehicles they will bring, attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase. The vehicle guide will be available on the show website soon. We are expecting that Alexander Dennis and Yutong dealership Pelican Bus & Coach will highlight their zero-emission buses, while electric models are also expected from Irizar UK (Irizar ie tram, a battery-electric bus), GM Coachwork (the E-Transit Minibus Conversion) and Karsan. Pelican Bus & Coach will offer an immersive VR experience, allowing visitors to virtually drive the GTe14 electric coach and E12 electric bus.

While decarbonisation remains a key focus, diesel vehicles will also be on display, recognising the ongoing transition toward greener technologies and acknowledging that diesel-powered fleets remain part of the current operational landscape.

After the pandemic, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in organising an event of this scale, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest changes we’ve seen after the pandemic is the industry’s eagerness to reconnect in person. Euro Bus Expo provides that platform for the coach and bus sector, which has always thrived on face-to-face interaction. There’s a real enthusiasm to reconnect, not just to see and experience the latest vehicles and technology first-hand, but also to engage in meaningful conversations.

While the uncertainty of planning large-scale events post-pandemic posed a challenge, we overcame this by adapting the event layout to include more aisle space, and integrating health and safety protocols into the event’s design. We also introduced more flexible meeting spaces. This allowed us to maintain the interactive, hands-on nature of Euro Bus Expo, which is vital for showcasing innovations in a way that online events simply can’t replicate. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, we embraced the opportunity to meet the industry’s need for face-to-face engagement.

Changes in the UK bus expos’ landscape

In the last few years, the trade expo landscape in the UK has shifted to a biennial format. What results has this new strategy brought, and how do you see the future of trade exhibitions in the bus and coach industry?

The move to a biennial format has been very positive. It allows manufacturers and suppliers more time to refine their products and innovations, making each edition of Euro Bus Expo more impactful. Exhibitors and visitors alike benefit from this approach, as it builds anticipation and ensures the event remains a must-attend for key decision-makers.

Looking ahead, as the industry continues to focus on decarbonisation and digital transformation, Euro Bus Expo will remain a vital platform for showcasing innovations and building partnerships. Trade exhibitions like this will continue to play a crucial role in driving progress, enabling the industry to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. By holding the event every two years, we allow for more meaningful exchanges between operators, suppliers, and industry leaders, contributing to long-term industry growth.

The future of public transport in UK

In the UK you just had general elections, with widely known results. Beyond political comments, what should we expect in terms of approach and support to public transport and collective mobility?

The coach and bus industry in the UK awaits two significant political events later in 2024: One is the Chancellor’s Budget in October, and the other is publication of the Better Buses Bill in England.

There is an increasing sign that bus will benefit from momentum behind several policies of the new government. Ministers have made clear that improving bus services is a priority, including with greater public control as we are already seeing in Greater Manchester. On a wider basis, the industry is also key to other flagship policies such as air quality and social mobility. Those also factor into work being done on bus services by the devolved Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Closer integration of bus with modes including rail, light rail and active travel choices is also of great interest to many politicians.

The industry keenly anticipates developments from both. Its primary ask of government is long-term certainty over funding. If that is forthcoming, it will give operators, local transport authorities, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers the confidence to invest. The timing of Euro Bus Expo 2024 sits closely to expected political developments for the bus industry in the UK that will potentially have a major influence over its future direction.

For coach, the sector hopes to see its interests considered more closely by the new government. We have already seen some good work in that area by the Scottish Government with funding towards zero-emission coaches, and there is a hope that such an approach will spread further within the UK. Considering coaches in the built environment planning process with respect to access is also a key for coach operators, while the coach sector also hopes for a pragmatic and appropriate approach to the application of accessibility regulations to its vehicles and services.