Coach and bus operators, local authorities and passenger transport providers from across the UK and Ireland will have plenty to keep them busy at next month’s Coach & Bus UK, with a raft of must-have vehicles and new innovations on show.
The leading coach, bus and accessibility event in the UK this year, it’ll feature over 180 exhibitors representing every link of the supply chain – from vehicles, accessories, parts and equipment to cutting-edge technology, training and business services. Here’s an exclusive preview of some of the new launches they’ll be bringing with them to the NEC Birmingham over 2-3 October.
Ticketer is unveiling its latest innovation: Kazoot. Launching in December, it’s the first national, multi-operator passenger app that enables operators to work together to collectively compete against other forms of transport. Operators retain access to all the ticket sales data they would expect through their own app whilst benefiting from an additional channel to promote their services and interact with their passengers (stand F20).
Alliance Transport Technologies is previewing the E400HX Service Exchange Hybrid Battery Pack. Available from November in standard and modular format, the pack features new cells, improved battery management with live cell balancing, and enhanced construction. The battery management system monitors the state of every cell in the pack, ensuring safe operation. The balancing software means energy is taken from higher performing cells and spreads the voltage across weaker cells to improve efficiency and longevity (stand H33).
INSO presents Invisi Warm – a new graphene heating system. Flexible and hard wearing, graphene is ten times more conductive than copper. The Invisi Warm heating pad is made in the UK and can be installed under flooring to help dry floors and prevent slips and trips, as well as inside wall panels and ceiling panels. Also showcasing: INSO digitally printed 2mm resilient flooring (stand M12).
Phoenix Seating is launching Vega – their first fully tested M3 bus seat. Manufactured entirely in the UK, the ergonomic design aims to meet the demands of bus builders in respect of weight and installation simplicity whilst giving end users the level of comfort and technology accessories they expect on public transport. Available from November 2019 for orders (stand E2/2, miniplus Area).
Pelican Bus & Coach is bringing Yutong’s new TCe12 – the UK’s first zero-emission full electric coach, to the show. They’ll also be displaying two Yutong TC9 34-seat midi coaches and a Yutong GT12 luxury 53-seat touring coach – all in customer liveries. There’s a Yutong TC9 midicoach in the Indoor Display Area, plus in the Zero Emission Zone (outside) a TfL specification Yutong E10 full-electric zero-emission bus (stand E40).
London Hire is exhibiting a new, fully electric, wheelchair accessible, lightweight, 9-seat minibus: the EV80 Minibus – M1. It boasts a range of 100 urban miles, a zero emissions output from its 100kW electric motor, and it can be operated in LEZs and the ULEZ. London Hire will also be showcasing a second electric minibus, which will operate outside the show halls for ride and drive demonstrations (stand E30).
TruTac is unveiling three new features at Coach & Bus UK. With Remote File Integration operators can setup seamless, remote file downloads with over 25 suppliers – including Trakm8, Microlise, TomTom and Traffilog. The new Touchscreen Digital Signature enables secure (and paperless) sign-on-screen and pin validation for debriefs and reports. Plus, Earned Recognition Support is TruTac’s new package to ‘handhold’ and support operators through ER validation (stand K4).
Firetrace is marking its show debut with the launch of a new product specifically designed for electric vehicles. The Firetrace 4kg bi-directional automatic fire suppression system, using 3M Novec 1230 extinguishant, will not conduct electricity or harm electrical components. The system operates fully pneumatically without the need for any external power or batteries using proven linear detection tubing, which is already utilised on 10,000+ city buses (stand N60).
Freeway Fleet Systems is launching its Fleet-in-your-pocket smartphone app, which gives real-time insight into essential fleet information and tasks such as Earned Recognition KPIs and staff overview, defect recording, time-sheet entry, parts purchasing and authorising. Also new is a paperless-working development using OCR technology to read incoming paperwork to cut the fleet administration workload (stand A34).
21st Century Technology is showcasing the Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) system Journeo™, which is already installed on over 2,000 vehicles, and now has an enhanced capability with a new cloud-based platform. Journeo Edge can now manage video downloads for all major DVR types installed on UK vehicles. The latest features include a secure evidence locker, with user-defined retention periods. Also showcasing: SmartVision wing mirror replacement system (stand L50).
Telia Company is introducing Telia Smart Public Transport to the UK market. This IoT solution gives bus operators and PTAs tools for better connections on-board, and possibilities to introduce innovative real-time services for a more efficient operation and increased service, based on instant vehicle data and data driven route planning (stand H48).
Dawsongroup Bus and Coach is exhibiting a new stock ADL Enviro 400 86-seat double deck bus (a unique offering to the rental market), a new model Mercedes Benz Sprinter EVM Elegance 16-seat mini-bus, and a new 12.8 metre Volvo B8R Plaxton Leopard 72-seat coach. They’ll also be bringing a new Ford Transit Trend 16-seat minibus to the show (stand J10).
BKM (Belkommunmash) is displaying its first right-hand drive E4200P electric bus, designed for the UK market. At the end of the show the display bus will go on to Nottingham for trial operation (stand C40).
Synectics Mobile Systems is showcasing MirrorEye™ – the latest innovation in mirror replacement developed specifically for the bus and coach sector. The camera-monitor system effectively eliminates blind spots around the vehicle, with a unique infrared capability to improve visibility at night. The cameras have a universal, compact form factor, resulting in less protrusion than conventional wing mirrors, and cover a larger field of vision than mirror classes II, IV, and V (stand H22).
Forman Vehicle Services is introducing the Forman Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (V-AVAS). Designed to warn road users of approaching electric and hybrid buses, it’s been developed in collaboration with TfL and is compliant with UNECE’s Regulation No. 138. Other products on display at the show include: UNECE Regulation 107 approved Fire Suppression System and V-ILS Vehicle Induction Loop System (stand E47).
Alexander Dennis is showcasing a range of low and zero emission vehicles. On their stand will be a market-leading Enviro200 and a Plaxton Panorama double deck coach. A Plaxton Panther will be in hall 19 – the indoor display area. An autonomous Enviro200 will be demonstrated outdoors, along with the new BYD ADL Enviro400EV (stand J50).
Mobile Onboard’s new contactless payments mTicketr ETM and BEAM iSeries onboard Wi-Fi routers will make their first public appearance at the show. The new iSeries range includes: BEAM XPRESSi – an ultra-compact automotive router designed for minibuses and taxis etc; and BEAM 5i and BEAM 8i – more powerful routers for buses, coaches and commercial vehicles (stand K30).
New start-up Codent is introducing CoachOps. This new, cloud-based coach management product is designed to maximise lead generation for operators by handling all the key customer touchpoints throughout the booking process (stand M44).
So far this year, TotalKare HDWS has launched in-ground and mobile brake testers, wash bay column lifts and light commercial four-post lifts. They’ll be showcasing some of these new innovations at Coach & Bus UK, including a new headlight tester, mobile brake tester, and G8AC wash bay column lift. While the firm’s market-leading T8DC cable-free mobile column lifts will be lifting a 17-seater Ford Transit T460 minibus generously provided by David Fishwick (stand F12).
UrbanThings’ innovative Hex Tag technology flips the traditional concept of onboard ticket validators. As a passenger boards the bus, they use their smart phone to scan a unique QR code that’s been placed at the vehicle entrance to validate their mobile-ticket purchase. This fresh approach saves operators money on costly on-board hardware and cash sales, while providing real-time occupancy data and fleet telemetry to the operator (stand E33).
PHVC Minibus & Fleet Suppliers is bringing the new Ford Transit MCA Minibus to the show (460 Trend 17-seat 170ps). Complying with latest EU Legislation, including Automatic Braking Systems, the engine features Advanced 2.0 litre EcoBlue, combined with Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Selective Drive Modes. A 23-seat IVECO Daily Line 65c 18 4100L Minibus will also be on show, and in the Indoor Display Area will be a Ford Tourneo Custom Limited 9-seat Minibus (stand N2).
Fire and Safety Solutions is exhibiting the Rotarex Compact Line System – the world’s most compact fire suppression system with UNECE R107 approval. Their suppression and system specialists will be on-hand at the show, along with an impressive static demonstration rig and component library (stand N46).
Trusted Travel Reviews has released a new drivers’ app, which enables drivers to ask any passenger that travels with them to leave a review either by email or SMS. Operators can create driver incentives and monitor their performance, whilst also increasing brand awareness via social media shares. 73% of people asked to leave a review through the app will do so. 22% of those will share their review on either Facebook or Twitter (stand N29).
D4Drivers is demonstrating its RBS Booking System, which enables transport businesses with an account to log-in securely and book drivers for DVLA medicals at any of 70 nationwide clinics in just a few clicks. Businesses can also refer drivers to book their own medical, via single-use voucher codes linked to the company account (stand M54).
Treka Bus is bringing its Treka Everyday minibus to the show. This small accessible minibus, with a seven-year warranty, is available in both M1 and M2 configurations. Starting at just 3.5 tonnes, it can be driven on a standard driving licence and has capacity for up to 14 seated passengers and up to four wheelchair positions. Wheelchair access is provided by either an underfloor or inboard passenger lift (stand E2/6, miniplus Area).
Affinity Technology is showcasing SchoolBusTracker, a mobile application that connects parents with their child’s school transport system. It provides a real-time connection between the bus, the school and the guardians/parents at any given moment during the route. It also enables operators to manage more effectively by planning routes and times to save operational costs and fuel expense, plus avoids the need for installing expensive GPS systems (stand M53).
Passenger’s Business Portal enables public transport operators to take advantage of selling mobile app tickets in bulk batches to approved organisations, such as schools, universities and businesses. The system provides the opportunity to significantly grow revenue from business sales, whilst significantly reducing the costly management of smart cards administration (stand F31).
TomTom Telematics (AES Fleet) is promoting TyreWatch integrated with TomTom Telematics’ WEBFLEET management platform. It provides continuous, real-time temp and pressure monitoring on every tyre in the fleet. Instant alerts are triggered when a tyre is under-performing and requires maintenance or puncture repair. Using AI developed by McLaren Technologies, it eliminates false positives by distinguishing between hot, cold and average working temperatures. The SaaS can also calculate predicted time to tyre failure (stand M42).
New this year, Air1 OptiSpray by Yara UK is designed to prevent deposit formation on SCR systems with low load running engines. It has a low concentration 0.05% surfactant additive, which means no adverse effects on the SCR catalyst. This reduces maintenance costs and minimises vehicle downtime. OptiSpray is available in 1000L IBCs and 10 litre cans (stand N52).
Digital 2000’s CheckPro Daily Checks app lets operators create customised checklists that reflect the exact requirements for their fleet and operating criteria. As well as standard daily walk around checks, an operator can create a checklist for a specific route, conditions, passenger demographics and any other criteria that may need to be checked and recorded (stand G40).
With eMOBILE, INIT offers a comprehensive solution that integrates all operational processes for the deployment of electric buses/e-mobility in public transport. The system supports strategic decisions by simulating different scenarios and comprises planning, intelligent charging management, depot management, vehicle dispatch and range prediction – based on real-time and historical data (stand H21).
Irizar UK is showcasing a trio of coaches, all powered by DAF’s MX range of OBD-D engines. There’s the new Irizar i4 Integral 13.6m triaxle, fitted with 80 3+2 seats for high capacity operation. A Touring-spec i6S Integral at 12.9m, with 53 seats. And, for the ultimate in luxury accessibility, a 14.07m Irizar i8 Integral, with 55 leather seats, that outputs 530bhp. It features the innovative Masats KS8 wheelchair lift over the rear nearside axle, accessing 4 wheelchair spaces (stand F1).
Alfatronix is showcasing Podsole, which combines USB and wireless charging in one extremely versatile and rugged console. It can be installed onto any seatback or vehicle sidewall in both OEM and retrofit applications (stand C1).
Ashtree Vision & Safety‘s CycleSafe mirror has become an industry standard. With its twin lenses it allows the driver to get a far better field of visibility. A working of a new camera mirror system on display (stand C34) in addition to other mirrors and arms in the range. (stand C34).
EVM is showcasing the latest versions of its Grand Tourer, X-Clusive and Avantgardes from 16 to 22 seats, plus the latest incarnation of the successful Cityline low floor (stand D1).
Coach & Bus UK – free trade registration
Coach & Bus UK, taking place on 2-3 October at NEC Birmingham, is the leading domestic showcase for coach, bus and mini-vehicle operators, local authorities and industry stakeholders. For further information and to register to attend, visit www.coachandbusuk.co.uk.
###
Media enquiries & press pass requests to:
Apply for press accreditation here: https://cbuk-2019.reg.buzz (select company type = ‘press’ when prompted)
Emma-Louise Jones, Head of PR
t: +44 (0)1273 645134
e: [email protected]
Website: www.divcom.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DiversifiedUK
Jacqui Trayford, Marketing Executive
t: +44 (0)1733 405749
e: [email protected]
Website: www.coachandbusuk.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/coachandbusuk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachandbusuk
Event Director:
Helen Conway
e: [email protected]
Exhibitor sales enquiries to:
Martin Laverton, Group Sales Manager
t: +44 (0)1733 405735
e: [email protected]
Notes:
The product information within this show highlights press release has been submitted by companies exhibiting at Coach & Bus UK 2019. Product images are available on request.
Exhibitor show highlights montage: www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Coach-Bus-UK-exhibitor-show-highlights.jpg
High res show images are available to download via this link (more on request):
www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/VIS7664.jpg
www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/VIS7414.jpg
www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/show-news/coach-bus-uk-2017-opening-day-picture-gallery
Diversified Communications UK Ltd (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton, Peterborough, Nailsworth and London. Diversified UK’s transport & travel portfolio includes Coach & Bus UK; Euro Bus Expo; routeone magazine; routeone Awards; miniplus; British Tourism & Travel Show; British Coach Tourism Awards; CDC News; and CDC Tourism Yearbook. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.