The coach and bus industry will be out in force at the NEC Birmingham this week (doors open at 9.30am on Wednesday 2 October) – checking out the next wave of vehicles, technology, equipment, accessories and business services from 192 exhibitors at Coach & Bus UK 2019.

The leading coach, bus and accessibility event in the UK this year, visitors will be among the first to see a host of new innovations – including:

  • The UK trade show debut of Yutong’s TCe12 zero-emission full electric coach (Pelican Bus and Coach / Yutong)
  • Temsa’s new MD9 midicoach and full-size HD12 luxury touring coach (Arriva Bus and Coach)
  • The UK debut of Ilesbus’ Calista midicoach built on a Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis
  • Tap to Board’s agile contactless payment solution for bus operators
  • Ticketer’s new (and the UK’s first) national multi-operator passenger app Kazoot
  • MAN MOBIpeople Explorer, with a newly developed 3.6m high floor option from B.A.S.E
  • Harris Auto’s Crusader minicoach and minibus range among its 11-vehicle display
  • NotLost’s lost property software, recently implemented at Oxford Bus Company
  • Continental’s pioneering electric bus tyre – the Continental Urban HA3 315/60R22.5 (TD Tyres)
  • SchoolBusTracker by Affinity Technology, which connects parents with their child’s school transport system
  • Donegal Commercial Vehicles’ new luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minicoach
  • The UK debut of BKM’s first right-hand drive E4200P electric bus
  • Pride & Joy Clothing’s bespoke headrests – designed with Megabus for their new seating reservation service
  • INSO’s Invisi Warm heating pads – a new graphene-based heating system for vehicle interiors
  • Synectics’ MirrorEye system, developed by Orlaco, which replaces traditional vehicle mirrors with aerodynamic cameras linked to an in-cab display
  • Freeway Fleet Systems’ new ‘Fleet in your pocket’ smartphone app (a rare gull-winged Delorean sports car will also be on their stand)

For a more detailed look at this year’s exhibitor show highlights, please visit: www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/show-news/coach-bus-uk-2019-preview. 

Zero Emission Zone

Head outside to the show’s new Zero Emission Zone, supported by the NEC, to enjoy ride-on vehicle demos of the latest eco models by Alexander Dennis (BYD ADL Enviro400EV electric double deck bus), London Hire (LDV electric minibus), and Pelican Bus & Coach / Yutong (Yutong E10 electric single deck bus).

UK trade show first – Autonomous Enviro200 Bus Demos

Experience the UK’s first full-size autonomous bus first hand. Fusion Processing will be running a series of trade only ride-on demos over both days (book a place at stand N53).  The 11.5m Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single deck vehicle, fitted with Fusion Processing’s CAVstar® control and sensing system, has been taking part in Stagecoach trials.

88 vehicles confirmed

Dawsongroup Bus and Coach, EVM Direct, Irizar UK, GM Coachwork, Mellor Coachcraft, Moseley (PCV), Noone Turas/Brian Noone, Nu-Track, PHVC Minibus & Fleet Suppliers, Stanford Coachworks, TBC Conversions, Treka Bus, UNVI Bus & Coach, and Volvo Bus are also displaying vehicles at the show (there’s 88 to see this year).

The vehicle line-up is available here: www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/vehicle-guide.

The Theatre

For full speaker details and timings, please visit www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/visiting/the-theatre.  Highlights include an opening address by Graham Vidler (Confederation of Passenger Transport UK); Martin Griffiths (Stagecoach Group) talking about autonomous vehicles; Gareth Powell (Transport for London) sharing insights on ULEZ and the impact of Clean Air Zones; Allan Gooch (Commonwealth Games) and Pete Bond (West Midlands Combined Authority) outlining plans for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and upcoming opportunities for operators; Sonya Byers (Women In Transport) and Martin Harris (Brighton & Hove Buses) talking about diversity and inclusion in the transport sector, and Steve Whiteway (CPT President for 2020) giving practical advice for profitable success.

The new Innovation Challenge Live Finals will also be taking place from 12 noon on Thursday 3 October (results at 2.30pm). Products/exhibitors taking part are listed here: www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/innovation-challenge.

Free trade registration

Coach & bus UK runs from Wednesday 2 October until Thursday 3 October.  Free online visitor registration is open throughout the show to ensure fast track entry.  For more information, and to register for a free ticket, please visit www.coachandbusuk.co.uk.

routeone Awards

The show is co-located alongside the UK’s largest coach, bus, and minibus operator awards – the routeone Awards, being held on the evening of 2 October at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.  For further information, visit www.routeoneawards.com.