Tackling the hard questions: Euro Bus Expo 2024’s speaker lineup will focus on the industry’s most pressing concerns.
The Euro Bus Expo speaker programme will offer crucial insights, innovative solutions, and strategies to navigate the evolving bus and coach industry. From 12-14 November at the NEC, Birmingham UK, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts will gather to address the most pressing issues and opportunities facing operators today.
Day One – Tuesday 12 November 2024
A Vision for Net Zero: Beyond Zero-Emission Fleets
Bob Montgomery, Director of busreinvented, will open with a session on the vital role buses must play in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets. Beyond zero-emission fleets, he’ll explore how Net Zero will reshape the size, structure, funding, and governance of bus networks over the next 25 years. Montgomery’s insights will challenge attendees to think critically about the changes needed to meet environmental goals.
Structuring Bus Services: An International Perspective
Adam Leishman, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ascendal Group, will share his expertise on bus franchising models, drawing from his experiences in London, Singapore, and Hong Kong. His analysis of various contracting structures will offer key takeaways for authorities looking to ensure successful franchising.
Consolidation in the Coach Industry: Friend or Foe?
As private equity firms and business groups turn their attention to the coach industry, James Howells, CEO of Don’t Travel Empty, will address the implications of consolidation. This session will offer strategies for operators considering selling or preparing for the impact of competitors being acquired by larger groups. Mr Howells’ insights will be particularly relevant as the trend towards consolidation is poised to reshape the industry.
The Latest Developments in Decarbonising Coaches: Insights from the new BluMarbl/CPT Decarbonisation Report
Andrew Luckett, Director of BluMarbl, will present a deep dive into the newly released BluMarbl/Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) decarbonisation report, the most comprehensive analysis of coach and bus data in the UK. This report models 80 million kilometres of operators’ 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 electric coaches purchased through the ScotZEB2 initiative. Additionally, the session will cover information on pay-as-you-go charging options, sustainable home-to-school transport solutions, and other valuable resources for operators aiming to decarbonise their fleets.
Electric Depots and Integrated Charging Solutions
The transition to electric vehicles will be explored further in a session focused on launching an electric depot. Tim Deakin, Editor of routeone magazine will pose questions to Julia Meek, Director of Business Development (EV Fleet) at Zenobē and Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company. Together, they will delve into the challenges and successes of developing an all-electric depot from their recent experience, providing valuable insights and a model for future projects.
Following this, Mr Deakin will moderate a panel discussion examining integrated charging solutions to maximise efficiency and revenue in electric bus operations. The discussion will cover cost-effective grid connections, advanced technology integration, and how to monetise idle charging infrastructure, with contributions from Gary Jacobs, Business Developer at Vattenfall IDNO; Philip Kershaw, Director of eBus at EO Charging; and Uwe Munch, Segment Sales Director for Bus and Transit at ChargePoint.
DVSA on PSVAR: Navigating Compliance
A DVSA representative will update attendees on PSVAR, providing essential guidance on compliance and offering insights into best practices. With the evolving regulatory landscape, this session is a must-attend for those looking to ensure their operations meet the latest standards.
Navigating Compliance in a Digital World
James Backhouse, Legal Director at Backhouse Jones, will delve into what ‘excellent looks like’ for compliance management systems in today’s digital world. Mr Backhouse will also cover topics including the Bus Open Data Service (BODS), management structures, and effective lines of communication.
Day Two – Wednesday 13 November 2024
CPT Operator Forum
Show partner, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), will take over the Masterclass Stage on the second day of the show with its CPT Operator Forum. The first of these annual forums will delve into key topics, including Artificial Intelligence, strategies for meeting the continued challenge of accessibility, recruitment and coach friendly tourism. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with a Traffic Commissioner and representatives from the DVSA and CPT 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 CPT/KPMG research on the economic value of the coach industry, looking at trends, technologies, sustainability and evolving passenger expectations.
Says Graham Vidler, CEO, CPT; “We’re excited to launch the first CPT Operator Forum at Euro Bus Expo 2024, where we’ll be addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. The Forum complements the wider programme which is packed with sessions that reflect the challenges and opportunities our industry faces, and we’re confident it will provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration they need to drive their businesses forward. As we finalise the details, we’re looking forward to revealing even more about what attendees can expect from this year’s forum.”
Day Three – Thursday 14 November 2024
Charting the Future of Bus Services
The new government has talked about radical changes to the way bus services in England outside London are regulated, delivered and funded. Bill Hiron MBE, Chair of the Association of Local Bus Company Managers (ALBUM), and Tony Depledge OBE, Policy Advisor at ALBUM, will lead the first session on the third day, focussing what the bus industry needs to ensure these changes benefit operators and passengers, focusing on maintaining local market knowledge of small businesses and navigating these challenges within a constrained funding environment.
Operating Zero-Emission Buses and Coaches: Everyday Considerations
David Yorke, Director of Future Zero Emission, will provide an overview of the operational considerations for zero-emission buses and coaches. He’ll discuss the decision-making process for choosing the right zero-emission technology, focusing on drivelines and their operational and maintenance implications, offering guidance for future-proofing fleets.
Lessons from Fastrack Electric
Shane Hymers, Network Development Manager at Kent County Council, will share lessons from the electrification of Kent’s Fastrack BRT system. He’ll outline the financial and operational considerations, including vehicle choice, funding strategies, and the benefits of pursuing long-term contracts to secure investments.
Exploring Driver Health and Wellbeing: Essential Insights for a Resilient Workforce
This panel discussion features Dr Grant Charlesworth-Jones, CEO of D4Drivers, Ross Lockett, CEO of the Association of Trainers, Dal Kalirai, Interim CEO of Women in Transport, and a representative from Geotab. Dr Charlesworth-Jones will discuss strategies for improving physical health among drivers, offering low-cost solutions to enhance workforce wellbeing, while Ross Lockett will discuss mental health challenges. Geotab will explore how technology can enhance driver engagement and resilience when positioned as supportive tools, rather than surveillance systems. Dal Kalirai will address the need for diversity and inclusion in the driver workforce to boost overall well-being and performance.
Lightning Talks: Quick Insights into Key Industry Topics
The programme will feature a series of 10-minute lightning talks that offer rapid insights into:
- Inclusive Cab Design: Caroline Ward from Women in Transport, along with Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, will highlight the importance of inclusive cab design, showcasing recent efforts to create safer, more comfortable, and inclusive workspaces for drivers.
- Unlocking the Potential of Public Transport: Triumph Okojie, Bus Open Data Service (BODS) Digital Projects Lead at the Department for Transport (DfT), will present on the transformative impact of open data initiatives, using the BODS as a key model for success.
- Demystifying Social Value: Rachel Hughes, Director of Surbon Consulting, will explain the concept of social value in the public transport sector, offering practical examples of how it can be measured and implemented.
- Innovative Approaches to Franchising: Sue Walnut, Product Director at ITS Vix Technology, 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 will feature the Innovation Challenge, where exhibitors will pitch their products and services to a panel of judges. Finalists will have 90 seconds to impress with their innovations, with winners announced for the gold, silver, and bronze Awards. The Challenge celebrates the industry’s most promising advancements and provides valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.
Euro Bus Expo 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the bus and coach industry, offering a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and networking opportunities over three content-rich days.
For further information and to register for Euro Bus Expo 2024, visit eurobusxpo.com.
Exhibiting opportunities
Those interested in booking a stand should contact Martin Laverton on mlaverton@divcom.co.uk.
routeone Awards
Euro Bus Expo is co-located alongside the routeone Awards, being held on the evening of 13 November at The Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.routeoneawards.com.
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