Meet the brand: Nunsys
We catch up with Justyna Mazurek from Nunsys to find out more about the BatOnRoute - Mobility Solution brand and its presence at Euro Bus Expo, on stand T34.
Tell us a bit about your company:
BatOnRoute is a mobility solution that is targeted at schools, day- care centres, transport of employees and the on-demand transport. It provides its users with peace of mind by giving them the real-time information on the routes. We do not install any hardware on the buses, the only thing we need is a mobile phone or a tablet on board. Using BatOnRoute facilitates the communication between the centres and the travellers by personalised, automatic notifications on the proximity of the bus to the stop, delays, embarking and disembarking. Also, we customise the product for the brands, thus looking as if we were their own app.
Our company is based in Spain, but we are present in 12 countries, in more than 500 entities. We work with bus providers, but also with schools and day- care centres that have their own fleet of buses. We manage more than 7000 routes on a daily basis.
Tell us about your latest products, services, promotions or launches that visitors can hope to see on your stand:
The two apps available for both Android and iOS and a control panel on a webpage. On our stand we will simulate the route showing all the functionalities of BatOnRoute. Also, we will prepare some special offers for the participants of Euro Bus Expo 2022.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2022 an unmissable opportunity for you?
We would really like to be a better-known company for the UK- based bus providers. We are already working with several schools based in the UK and the bus providers and would really appreciate the opportunity to be known by more potential customers.
Success Story: Freeway Fleet Systems at Euro Bus Expo
The fleet maintenance software provider has tripled its income in the bus industry since first exhibiting in 2016. We speak to Freeway MD Patrick Tandy about how business has ‘blossomed’
Established in 1995, Freeway Fleet Systems helps fleet operators automate and digitise processes to reduce time-consuming workshop admin and maintain compliance efficiently. Freeway’s system eliminates paper on the shop floor, allowing staff to access and complete their job cards, timesheets, inspection reports and other paperwork on a tablet or smartphone.
Ready to launch
While Freeway had been successfully serving the bus and coach industry for over two decades, business expansion in this area had slowed due to a focus on existing customer sites rather than going out to market, admits the firm.
By 2016, Freeway was ready to go to market with one of the first tablet-based platforms that integrates with central asset management systems to provide live vehicle data.
“We had also rebranded, and as a company, we were growing in confidence,” says Freeway MD Patrick Tandy.
“We had a proven system already tried and tested by existing clients. So, we were ready to introduce it to a wider audience.”
Increase visibility
The firm decided that exhibiting could be an ideal way to increase its visibility in the sector. But first, some research was required to ensure it would be worthwhile.
Patrick explains: “We got someone on the phone to contact the UK's main bus and coach operators to ask the question, ‘do you go to Euro Bus Expo?’. And 84% said that they were definitely going.
“It was a no-brainer for Freeway. We thought, here’s a show that’s highly focused on the industry we want to target.”
So, the firm booked to exhibit at Euro Bus Expo for the first time in 2016 – and hasn’t looked back.
Opportunities aplenty
Turning prospects into clients can be a slow process, particularly when there’s sophisticated software involved. Exhibiting allows suppliers to nurture leads and keep in touch with them, which is one of the key benefits.
Says Patrick: “Although it's about the quality of leads, it's as much about building long-term relationships with operators and other suppliers. So, there isn't a better way to do it than to attend Euro Bus Expo.”
Then there are the opportunities to network with other suppliers in the industry.
“One of the key things about going to a show is the chance to meet other people who are targeting the same sector but have a common interest.
“For example, you've got people who supply systems that relate to Freeway because they're dealing with another part of the operation, such as ticketing, which Freeway integrates with.”
Patrick adds that getting in front of such suppliers could lead to business partnerships, and this chance to talk to people and build relationships is reason enough to exhibit.
A threefold increase
Business has “blossomed” for Freeway since exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo and subsequently its sister show Coach and Bus UK. Before 2016, less than 20% of Freeway’s business was in the bus industry. Today it’s over 50%, and the firm’s income in the bus industry has tripled.
“Euro Bus Expo was our first push at investing in exhibiting at shows, so we’re overwhelmed with the response and success we’ve had.”
And sales generated from exhibiting haven’t only come from new customers. Connecting with existing customers and finding opportunities within those businesses have been just as important.
“The impact from exhibiting at the shows on Freeway’s business has been very substantial, and the catalyst was first attending Euro Bus Expo in 2016,” says Patrick.
“Other things have happened, but if we hadn't decided to go then, it would have been difficult to get where we are now.”
Key learnings
Patrick describes the firm’s first year of exhibiting as a “big success”. It was also a learning curve, with the team coming away with a better insight on how to maximise their show presence next time.
One of the key learnings was to book early, so there’s more choice in where your stand is situated. Booking early also means you can effectively plan and carry out your pre-show publicity.
“For example, we make sure we get our press releases out well in advance to raise the profile of Freeway to customers, prospects and the press,” says Patrick.
“The visibility of being at the leading bus and coach show is a PR exercise in itself - it's important; you need to be seen to be there.”
What’s new for Freeway?
Freeway will be at this year’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-3 November on Stand T62.
The firm will be showcasing its latest developments, notably integrations with other technologies such as driver inspection apps, transport operations software and onboard systems. A partnership with Stratio, for example, sees real-time vehicle data being accessed to provide actionable insights that help operators automate tasks and make more informed decisions.
“One of the big impacts of going paperless is you start collecting a lot of data, which is automatically recorded onto systems,” explains Patrick.
"We’re working with Stratio and other suppliers to use telematics data to deliver real-time predictive fleet maintenance technology. By making use of this data, operators can improve the efficiency of fleet maintenance operations.”
Exhibiting opportunities
Euro Bus Expo is the largest UK-based exhibition dedicated to the bus and coach industry, attracting decision makers from the largest operators through to owners and managing directors at the smallest family-run businesses.
For exhibiting enquiries, contact Martin Laverton at [email protected].
routeone Awards 2022 finalists announced
Now in its 16th year, the bus and coach industry’s premier recognition scheme rewards excellence among operators and individuals.
The finalists of the 2022 routeone Awards have been announced, revealing some of the most outstanding operators and people in the coach and bus industry.
The Awards are only open to those who have been nominated by their industry peers, so to have been invited to enter is an achievement in itself. All nominees were invited to submit an entry, detailing why they are deserving of the industry’s highest accolades.
Now, a diverse judging panel of industry experts have come together to create a shortlist of potential winners from an exceptional selection of entries. The finalists are now one step closer to being recognised as the best in the business at a spectacular black-tie event on Wednesday 2 November at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Says event director Helen Conway: “After two years of disruption across the sector, we are delighted to host the routeone Awards again in November.
“As ever, the Awards seek to reward people and operators for their exemplary achievements at a fantastic in-person presentation
evening where we can truly celebrate the
best in our industry. It is a huge achievement to be shortlisted, and we wish all our finalists the best of luck.”
A total of 68 finalists will compete across 15 categories, including two new categories. The Above and Beyond Award recognises individuals or businesses that have gone the extra mile to support their organisation and the wider coach and bus industry since 2020.
Outstanding Customer Experience rewards the individual or team that has put their customers’ experience at the forefront of their thinking and intends to keep it there.
The finalists are:
Above and Beyond
Partnered by Drivetech
• Aaron Lockhart, Nottingham City Transport
• Candice Mason, Masons Minibus and Coach Hire
• Kevin Mayne, Maynes Coaches
• Mubarak Mahmed, First West Yorkshire
• Richard Bamber, Anthony’s Travel
Manager of the Year, Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Omnibus
• Candice Mason, Masons Minibus and Coach Hire
• Jim Thorpe, Uno Buses
• Mark Hodgson, Coatham Coaches
• Shane Grindey, Blackpool Transport Services
• Thomas Manship, Grant Palmer
Manager of the Year, Large Operator (over 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Freeway Fleet Systems
• Adam Keen, Adventure Travel
• Chris Speed, First Eastern Counties
• Marc Reddy, First Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire
• Richard Stevens, Go South West
• Richard Thomas, Edwards Coaches
Outstanding Customer Experience Award
Partnered by Arthur Spriggs Busworld
• First South West Explorer
• National Express UK Coach
• Oxford Bus Company
• Stagecoach East
Engineer of the Year, Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Pelican Bus & Coach
• Barry Arents, Hunt's Coaches
• Ian Scott, Stanley Travel
• Lee Ahern, Newport Transport
• Scott Johnson, Johnson Bros Tours and Redfern Travel
Engineer of the Year, Large Operator (over 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Knorr-Bremse
• Laura Hill, Arriva
• Richard Mann, National Express West Midlands
• Simon Carlisle, First West Yorkshire
• Tom Linnecor, National Express UK Coach
Best use of Technology (up to 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Siemens Financial Services
• Anthony's Travel
• Blackpool Transport Services
• Go-Coach
• Oxford Bus Company
• Stagecoach East - The Busway
Best use of Technology (over 150 vehicles)
Partnered by Alfatronix
• Abellio Bus and Journeo
• Go Ahead London
• Go North East
• National Express UK Coach
• National Express West Midlands
• Nottingham Contactless
Environment Award
Partnered by Switch Mobility
• First Glasgow
• Metroline
• National Express West Midlands
• Newport Transport
• The Big Lemon
Rising Star
Partnered by PPG
• Glen Dring, Metroline
• Hayley Russell, FlixBus
• Laura Hill, Arriva
• Lynsey Milligan, Milligan's Coach Travel
• Morgan Bond, First West of England
• Tom Linnecor, National Express UK Coach
Small Coach Operator of the Year (1-15 vehicles)
Partnered by MAN Truck and Bus
• Anthony's Travel
• R G Jamieson & Son
• Spencer Graham Coaches
Medium Coach Operator of the Year (16-50 vehicles)
Partnered by Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches
• Golden Boy Coaches
• Masons Minibus and Coach Hire
• Maynes Coaches
• Passenger Plus
• Premier Coaches
• Stanley Travel
Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year (up to 150 Vehicles)
Partnered by Ticketer
• Blackpool Transport Services
• Ensignbus Company
• Prentice of Haddington
• Uno Buses
Large Coach Operator of the Year (over 50 Vehicles)
Partnered by Volvo Bus
• National Express UK Coach
• York Pullman
Large Bus Operator of the Year (over 150 Vehicles)
Partnered by Ticketer
• Brighton & Hove
• Diamond Bus North West
• Go North East
• Stagecoach East
Special Award
Partnered by ESP
• To be announced
Interviews for six people categories will take place in September to help the judges to determine the winners.
There is no shortlist for the Special Award. It is the only category that is not open to entries and is, instead, decided between the judges based on who deserves special recognition for their contribution to the industry.
Now in its 16th year, the routeone Awards boasts a judging panel of seven senior industry figures, each bringing a wide level of knowledge and experience from a variety of disciplines. Returning judges include Joan Aitken OBE, former traffic commissioner for Scotland; Kevin Middleton, former engineering consultant; Peter Nash, former head of commercial policy for Stagecoach UK Bus; Richard Delahoy, transport consultant; and Steve Dewhurst, former managing director for Volvo Bus.
Former Nottingham City Transport managing director Mark Fowles OBE and former Volvo Bus product engineering manager Norman Thomas join the panel for their first year.
The identity of the winners remains a closely guarded secret until the presentation evening, which will be held on Wednesday 2 November at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Tickets for the highly anticipated event are available for £173 + VAT from routeoneawards.com.
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Press enquiries to:
Christina Glenister, Marketing Director
[email protected]
Event enquiries to:
Gail Holm, Awards Manager
[email protected]
About the routeone Awards
The routeone Awards are the most sought-after accolades for the bus and coach industry, recognising the highest standards of excellence in all aspects of operating. The black-tie event will take place on the evening of Wednesday 2 November at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, coinciding with the premier sector trade show Euro Bus Expo on 1-3 November at the NEC, Birmingham.
The Awards presentation evening will bring together 800 industry professionals for a three-course dinner, entertainment, a presentation of the highly coveted awards, and an excellent networking opportunity.
Diversified Communications is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton. Diversified’s transport & travel portfolio includes routeone Awards; routeone magazine; Euro Bus Expo; Coach & Bus UK; British Tourism & Travel Show; and the British Coach Tourism Awards. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified Communications is 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: travel and tourism, 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.