Missed a session at Euro Bus Expo 2024, or want to revisit the insights?
View the full list of Masterclass Theatre sessions and speakers here, or watch the recorded sessions below.
From zero-emission innovation and fleet decarbonisation, to passenger experience, recruitment, and business growth strategies – the Euro Bus Expo Masterclass Theatre brought together 46 industry-leading speakers to share knowledge, spark debate, and inspire action.
Whether you’re looking for solutions, fresh thinking, or a glimpse into the future of the coach and bus sector, you’ll find it here – on demand, and ready when you are.
Bob Montgomery gave a summary on the outcome of an ‘in depth’ review of the role the bus needs to play in delivering net-zero in the UK. The session covered how it will drive huge change in the size, shape and quality of bus networks, the size and style of the bus fleet, the role of the car, the approach to marketing, ticketing and pricing, and have a major impact on funding and governance over the next 25 years.
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The UK transport sector is facing significant uncertainty at present; however, an accelerated pace of bus franchising is likely post-general election. Adam presented a case study of bus contracting structures comparing London, Singapore, and Hong Kong – three cities in which he has served as CEO of leading transport operations. With each of these three markets all having very different contracting models, (from fully commercial to fully franchised), this presentation considered the positives and negatives of each approach, highlighting key takeaway considerations for authorities to ensure the success of their franchising plans.
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The coach industry is currently attracting significant interest from private equity firms, business groups, and others. With the recent launch of the UK’s largest coach company group, valuable insights have been gained into the advantages and challenges of consolidation – a trend that is expected to shape the industry significantly in the coming years. James Howells addressed the implications of consolidation and delivered crucial strategies for operators.
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Andrew presented insights from the newly released BluMarbl/CPT decarbonisation report, the most comprehensive analysis of coach and bus data to date. This report models 80 million kilometres of operator journeys and analyses the carbon impact of over 50,000 coaches and buses in the UK. Andrew also gave an update on the first dedicated charging network for coaches in Scotland, which is set to power electric coaches purchased via the second round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund (ScotZEB2). Additionally, he covered information on obtaining pay-as-you-go charging, delivering home-to-school transport sustainably, and other valuable resources.
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Tim interviewed Luke and Julia about their experience launching a new all-electric depot. Zenobē led the design, testing, modelling, and analysis to shape an optimal programme for charging and smooth operations. Luke and Julia shared insights into their partnership and the key steps they took to successfully deliver the project on time and within budget.
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As the electrification of public transport accelerates, bus operators face complex challenges and opportunities in optimising their electric vehicle (EV) fleets. This session explored cutting-edge strategies that can transform electric bus operations, focusing on three critical areas: cost-effective grid connections, advanced technology integration, and monetising idle charging infrastructure.
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Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Enforcement Policy Manager, Spencer Miller provided essential guidance to help operators comply with industry regulations, including PSVAR. With the evolving regulatory landscape, this session was a must-attend for those looking to ensure their operations meet the latest standards.
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In this session, James discussed a topic of key importance to all coach and bus operators: What ‘excellent looks like’ for effective compliance management systems in a digital world. He also talked about other hot topics, including BODS, management structures and effective lines of communication.
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Kicking off the inaugural CPT Operator Forum, Graham welcomed attendees and set the stage for a day of insightful discussions.
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Everywhere we look, from adverts for mobile phones, to articles about writing articles, Artificial Intelligence is front and centre. While some are embracing the new opportunities, others are wary of the unknown unknowns. But it’s here to stay, so shouldn’t we take a little look at how big or small its beneficial contribution could be to us and our businesses? This session answered some of the questions you’ve been unsure how to ask and offered a glimpse into how others may be gaining the advantage.
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The last five years have seen enormous change for the bus and coach sector on the accessibility front, with much more to come. Many operators have embraced the opportunity that change can bring, while others may be missing the chance to grow their businesses and change lives in the process.
This session will not only reviewed what operators are required to do and explored what can be done to attract new users and make buses & coaches happier modes of travel.
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From days out to historic centres and attractions, to grand tours across Europe, coach tourism provides access to a vast range of experiences loved by customers. How can we ensure that coaches are consistently welcomed and can access all areas, and overcome barriers to entry?
Alongside highlighting a range of initiatives designed to offer practical support and solutions for operators, and seeking thoughts, ideas and feedback on those efforts, this session featured valuable insights and updates on changes to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System and EU Entry/Exit System, as well as Package Travel Regulations.
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A hot topic for the last couple of years, has recruitment now gone off the boil as an issue? Is the industry still getting to grips with a changing labour market? Has the driver shortage gone away? Or have operators adopted new approaches?
The panel explored all of these questions through evidence, experience and taking a look at how the market is and should be changing.
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Following a horizon scan on regulatory changes from DVSA, and updates from the Traffic Commissioner and industry legal expert Backhouse Jones, the session opened as a forum for operators to ask questions and seek guidance.
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With new research highlighting the economic impact of the coach industry, against a backdrop of a gradual but tangible shifts in perceptions around its wider contribution to society, the panel offered a glimpse into their visions of how the future may look for the coach market. From city-wide coach strategies, to the sustainability agenda, the coach itself, and life as an operator.
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Opening day three of Euro Bus Expo, Simon Lightwood provided a brief update from the Department for Transport.
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The new government has talked about radical changes to the way bus services are regulated, delivered, and funded. But how can these be made to work at a practical level for the benefit of our customers, in a funding envelope which will inevitably be constrained, and without losing the local market knowledge of small businesses which are deeply ingrained? Bill and Tony talked about what the bus industry’s ‘asks’ are for the new government.
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The Innovation Challenge finalists pitched their ground-breaking products or services in the live final. Exhibitors had 90 seconds to impress a panel of industry judges.
The Judges’ Choice Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, along with the Operator’s Choice Award, were then presented to the top innovations. This recognition highlights the industry’s most promising advancements and offers valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.
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With zero-emission now on an unstoppable trajectory, are you sure everything is covered in the decision-making process? What is the thought process behind selecting the technology? How much consideration is given to day-to-day operations, maintenance, and integration with your current processes? This presentation explored the key factors in choosing a driveline – whether hydrogen fuel cell-electric, battery-electric, or hydrogen ICE (potentially for coaches). It examined the pros and cons of each technology, long-term operational impacts (how will it perform in 10 years?), and essential considerations for operations, depots, maintenance, workshops, and training.
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This session outlined the financial and operational considerations of Kent’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme-funded electrification of Fastrack bus rapid transit, including the thought process of vehicle choice, how funding was approached, why certain products were chosen, and why Kent pursued an unprecedented 15-year contract to ensure the right investment.
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This panel explored driver health and wellbeing, focusing on building a resilient, inclusive workforce. Grant shared findings from a recent UK study conducted by D4Drivers and Loughborough University, and offered low-cost solutions to improve driver health, discussing medical assessments and harmonising driver roadworthiness with vehicle safety. Ross addressed the unique mental health challenges PSV drivers face, particularly when working with passengers with complex needs, and offered tips for better support. Dal discussed fostering diversity, tackling challenges in recruitment, retention, culture, and creating environments that boost engagement and psychological safety.
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Caroline and Ian explored the importance of inclusive cab design, highlighting progress from the Diversity & Inclusion Bus Group, part of Women in Transport, which is collaborating with over 30 partner organisations to develop a gold standard. With input from industry experts at all levels, including drivers and manufacturers, this session examined how improving the working environment can further foster inclusivity in the industry.
For more information, email [email protected]
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Social value (SV) is closely linked to sustainability, capturing the additional economic, social, and environmental benefits from government spending. In the UK, central government contracts now require SV to account for at least 10% of tender weighting, and devolved and local authorities, such as Transport for Greater Manchester, are increasingly including SV in bus tenders. Meanwhile, interest in capturing the economic, social and environmental benefits of coach and bus means that social value is of increasing interest in Europe and the Middle East. This presentation covered what social value is, how it is measured, examples of best practices, and relevant case studies.
For more information, see the resources to help you win work and improve your sustainability performance available to download at: https://surbonconsulting.com/downloads/
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This presentation explored how embracing open data initiatives has the potential to transform the public transport sector. Using the Bus Open Data Service (BODS) in England as a model for open data, Triumph presented its benefits to passengers, operators, and the wider bus industry. Since its inception, BODS has provided increased transparency and improved data quality which has fostered an innovative ecosystem for technology providers. Triumph delved into the successes, challenges, and future outlook of its implementation and the government’s role in the adoption of open data initiatives.
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This presentation was designed for stakeholders considering, or embarking on, a bus franchising journey. It outlined the technology changes needed to achieve franchising goals and address key challenges. Drawing on experience with transport authorities, bus operators, and councils, Sue explored which technology aspects should be managed by the authority, and which should remain with operators, leveraging their commercial expertise. Additionally, Sue discussed options for minimising new procurement through the intelligent reuse of existing systems.
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