AMb Travel adds two EVM Elegance minicoach conversions
AMb Travel of Ashford in Kent has added a pair of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with Elegance conversions to its fleet, supplied by EVM. Both carry 16 passengers, with seats having recline, three-point belts, aisle-side folding armrests, and artificial leather upholstery.
Above are luggage racks with passenger service units on the undersides. The minicoaches are also equipped with decorative curtains including tiebacks. USB charging points are provided at each row.
A Webasto roof-mounted 13.4kW air-conditioning unit is fitted and side windows are panoramic and double-glazed.
The OEM hinged entry door is retained, behind which EVM has fitted a three-stage step with LED strip lights and stainless-steel inserts. The Mercedes-Benz rear doors are also kept, but a towbar and trailer light socket have been added.
The driver gets a reversing camera with a seven-inch touch-screen display, and a Bosch PA system.
EVM side skirts are fitted along with a chrome pack. The Sprinter 417CDi base vehicle has been used for both AMb Travel deliveries, with drive taken via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. External colour is Mercedes-Benz iridium silver.
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Euro Bus Expo 2024 Speaker Programme to Address Industry’s Biggest Issues
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 Operators 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 Operators 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 authorities 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 Operators 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 event."
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, and Dal Kalirai, Interim CEO of Women in Transport. 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 [email protected].
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.
RoadPump Eco showing at Euro Bus Expo 2024
Leading global bus pump manufacturer, Vogelsang, is pleased to showcase its popular products for the first time at this year’s Euro Bus Expo.
The RoadPump Eco will be demonstrated by the Vogelsang team on stand 113, alongside the CollectingMax trolley and BusPlug.
“This is our first time at Euro Bus Expo, and we’re pleased to be demonstrating our RoadPump to visitors,” says Richard Love, Sales Manager at Vogelsang. “The RoadPump is becoming increasingly popular with bus and coach companies whose operators are looking for a clean and easy way to empty their vehicles’ toilet waste, so we’ve designed the RoadPump to be as user friendly as possible.
“We’re finding that coach operators want more control over how their coach toilets are emptied. Many we speak to travel tens of miles to an emptying facility, or worse, get caught short and sometimes dispose of the waste down a public drain. This can be costly with the additional traveling, and of course, no one wants a fine for using public drains. TheRoadPump provides a fantastic solution to this problem.”
The RoadPump is a disposal and supply station for washroom and toilet wastewater, specifically designed for bus stations, bus depots or stopping places and rest stops.
It uses various collecting devices and its built-in pump system disposes wastewater safely and hygienically in the connected sewer system or collection tank. At the same
time, it supplies tap and drinking water.
The robust vacuum technology of the RoadPump and the intelligent design of the collection facilities prevent contamination of the road. To ensure a high level of user acceptance, the RoadPump has a simple structure. It can be operated without difficulty by any bus driver or station employee. At the heart of the RoadPump is the established rotary lobe pump technology.
Vogelsang – the market leader in the field of toilet wastewater disposal in passenger train coaches – has been using pumps in this design around the world for more than twenty years. They have an outstandingly compact type of construction, are very easy to maintain, and are extremely resistant to foreign matter. Toilet paper, pieces of fabric and other contamination that is commonly present in wastewater do not impair the rotary lobe pump’s operation.
RoadPump Eco:
The RoadPump Eco is a mobile, cost-effective alternative to the stationary emptying solutions. It can be used together with the CollectingMax or with a BusPlug, if it is already installed on the bus.
CollectingMax:
The CollectingMax consists of a large drip tray made of chrome-nickel steel and is quickly and easily connected to a RoadPump using a standardized camlock coupling. It fits therefore perfectly for all bus types.
BusPlug:
The BusPlug is made of plastic and aluminum and can be easily retrofitted. It is quickly and easily connected to the RoadPump using a standardized camlock coupling.