Coach & Bus UK is back at the NEC Birmingham on 2-3 October with even more new innovations and solutions for the nation’s bus, coach and mini-vehicle operators, as well as new exhibitors, says event organiser Diversified Communications UK.
Due to high demand, the biennial event has just 14 stands left to fill. Its comprehensive exhibitor list covers everything required to run, enhance and grow a passenger transport business. From the latest vehicles, workshop equipment, parts and accessories, engineering services and alternative power solutions, to smart tech, accessibility, ticketing, training and development and more – all designed to improve best practices, productivity, sustainability, and efficiency, plus, of course, the customer and staff experience in the depot and out on the road.
All the latest innovations
New exhibitors for 2019 include: D4Drivers, Datik, Drive Tech, Fairtiq, Inso Group, Iris Gmbh, Mint Coaches, NOCO, Optibus, Pilot Seating, Premier Pits, Q Straint, Siemens Financial Services, SMC Coach Hire, Smith Bowyer Clarke, Stanford Coachworks, SureCam, Tailored Image, Top Gear, and Walters Bus and Coach Centre.
While returning dealers and manufacturers include: Alexander Dennis, Arriva Bus and Coach, BASE, Beulas, Dawsonrentals bus and coach, EVM, Harris Auto, Ilesbus, Indcar, Irizar UK, Mellor Coachcraft, Moseley (PCV), Noone Turas, Pelican/Yutong, Unvi, VDL and Volvo Bus UK. Together, the exhibitors will be displaying over 70 of the latest vehicles including low- and zero-emission, hybrid, gas and electric models.
Plus, the expanded miniplus Area will showcase purpose-built vehicles fitted with modern accessible aids, such as step-free design, wheelchair lifts, seats and other safety features. Exhibitors include; Cogent Passenger Seating, GM Coachwork, London Hire, NMI Safety Systems, Nu-Track, Phoenix Seating, Q Straint, Stanford Coachworks, TBC Conversions and Treka Bus.
The standout event
“From all the major dealers, manufacturers and suppliers to the new names now on board, this year’s event will showcase the very best of the industry, including the latest innovations that operators need to know about and utilise for their business,” says event director Helen Conway.
“The show is renowned as a must-attend for UK operators to do business and we look forward to seeing them all in their thousands at Coach & Bus UK this October,” she says.
With visitor registration now open, the show is preparing to bring together all the leading operators, transport planners, local authorities, community transport providers, and partnership coordinators – from across the UK and Ireland – for two action-packed days of business and networking, product launches and demos, exclusive free seminars and keynotes.
Hailed “a tremendous showcase” by First UK Bus’ managing director Giles Fearnley, and a “phenomenal success” by Steve O’Neill, former director of Irizar UK, the last edition, in 2017, welcomed nearly 6,000 attendees.
Summing up his visitor experience, Steve Paye, service owner – Surface Transport at Transport for London, added: “Coach & Bus UK is the standout event that works equally well for both the private and public sector organisations. It’s a must-not-miss in my diary.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by many of the show’s repeat visitors. Among them: National Express, Stagecoach, First Bus, Arriva, The Go-Ahead Group, Metroline, Abellio, RATP Group, Translink, Rotala, trentbarton, Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Co, Reading Buses, Nottingham City Transport, Metrobus, Centrebus, Bus Eireann, Lothian Buses, Oxford Bus Company, The Kings Ferry, Shearings, Alfa Travel, Edwards Coaches, Ulster Bus, Blackpool Transport Services, McGill’s Buses, Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, Horseman Coaches, Golden Boy Coaches, Travel de Courcey, Transport For Greater Manchester, Transport for London, Transport for West Midlands, and Tower Transit.
Britain’s coach and bus trade body, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) has also confirmed its continuing support as the show partner.
Graham Vidler, the CPT’s new chief executive, comments: “I very much look forward to attending my first Coach & Bus UK show this autumn and seeing first-hand all the latest innovations and advancements from our industry suppliers.
“As well as providing the opening address to The Theatre on day one, the show also presents an ideal opportunity for me to meet with CPT members, industry stakeholders and partners in order to share and discuss our vision and supporting strategy for the future of buses and coaches.
“As ever, the CPT team will be on hand (on stand J2) to speak with members new and old about the many benefits of CPT and the latest developments from your trade association.”
Free registration
For further information and to register to attend, visit www.coachandbusuk.com.
The show is co-located alongside the UK’s largest and most sought after coach, bus, and minibus operator awards – the routeone Awards, being held on the evening of 2 October at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
