Next month, the coach and bus industry will be out in force at Euro Bus Expo 2024 to explore the latest technologies, state-of-the-art vehicles, advanced equipment, and innovative business solutions driving the industry forward.

Taking place over three days, from 12-14 November 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, Euro Bus Expo will deliver a comprehensive showcase of the entire supply chain.

Among the 185 exhibitors, there will be a diverse array of over 70 cutting-edge vehicles on display from 23 leading vehicle manufacturers and dealers, showcasing the latest advancements in coach and bus technology. The full vehicle lineup will be revealed next week.

In addition to vehicle displays, visitors will discover an extensive range of products and services from suppliers, showcasing innovations that support and enhance every aspect of coach and bus operations.

Innovation Challenge

One of the most anticipated features is the Innovation Challenge – a competition showcasing groundbreaking products and services set to transform the future of coach and bus operations.

Exhibitor entries will be displayed at the Innovation Challenge Gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourite new initiatives on the first two days of the show.

On day three (14 November), suppliers of innovations with the most votes will deliver a fast-paced 90-second pitch to a live audience and a panel of expert judges in the Masterclass Theatre.

Judges include Phil Hitchen, Managing Director at Belle Vue Coaches; Chloe Leach-O’Connell, Managing Director at Leach-O’Connell Consultancy; Keith McNally, Operations Director at the CPT; and Tom Morgan, Managing Director at trentbarton.

The winners will be revealed at 3pm on 14 November.

Innovation Challenge Entries

• Brickets: School Bus Tickets On “Brick” Phones

From ShuttleID (stand 233)

A new type of digital bus ticket that works on virtually any ‘brick’ mobile phone, developed to meet the need for alternatives as more schools consider banning smartphones in classrooms and beyond.

• Bus ESS Re-Cell Service

From Altertek Ltd – ESS Repair Specialists (stand 200)

Equipment that safely replaces end-of-life battery cells while retaining most original components, extending the energy storage system’s life.

• Control 360

From Omnibus & EPM Bus Solutions (stand 194)

Enabling 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 (stand 259)

Providing real-time and historical insights into fleet maintenance through easy-to-read dashboards.

• Intangles Predictive AI for Vehicles

From Intangles Private Lab Ltd (stand 429)

Intangles’ predictive AI alerts fleet managers to developing faults before they trigger fault codes, allowing for timely intervention.

• Next Generation Floors, For Next Generation Vehicles

From Altro Transflor (stand 380) Next-generation floors for zero-emission buses offer enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation for comfort and efficiency, while the lightweight design optimises charge range.

• On Board Hub (OBH)

From Navaho Technologies (stand 349)

A secure system powered by Navaho’s OVC platform that integrates multiple on-vehicle applications, including AVL, CCTV, passenger information, and more.

• Sharebus – Crowdfunding of Coach Trips

From Ferdia (stand 212)

A digital platform allowing event organisers or customers to set up trips without financial risk.

• The Coach Customers’ Dream

From Ferdia (stand 212)

A cloud-based, open coach management system offering vehicle tracking, trip ratings, change alerts, and easy customer management.

• Unity

From MiX by Powerfleet (stand 230)

A SaaS platform that integrates diverse IoT devices and data sources, using AI and machine learning to deliver actionable insights, enhancing safety, compliance, sustainability, and efficiency.

• VEV-IQ

From VEV (stand 397)

A smart energy management platform for commercial EV fleets, integrating chargers, vehicles, and energy systems, ensuring efficient fleet management.

For further information about the products and services vying for an Innovation Challenge Award, visit: https://eurobusxpo.com/innovation-challenge/the-entries/.

Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward