Further NCT battery-electric order will lift zero-emission fleet to 93
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has ordered a further 12 Yutong battery-electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. Five will be U11DD double-deck examples and seven are E12 single-deck models, complementing a large number of the latter already in use.
The further order was confirmed at the 2026 ALBUM conference on 12/13 May in Blackpool. It complements an earlier deal for 19 battery-electric double-decks that are in hand, of which 13 will be U11DD models. The other six will be Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners.
When all 31 buses on order are in service, they will run alongside an existing pool of 62 Yutong battery-electrics to give the municipal operator a total zero-emission fleet of 93, or one-third of its vehicles.
The earlier 19 double-decks are due to arrive in late 2026. The 12 further buses are expected in April 2027. Both investments are being supported through funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), awarded by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Pelican says that 40% of the value of the NCT buses will be added through completion at its facilities in Castleford. Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie has thanked the operator for its further business.
Adds NCT Finance Director Rob Hicklin: “We are delighted to announce our order for an additional 12 Yutong electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. Since the first single-deck started operating with NCT two years ago, our electric bus fleet has proven to be extremely reliable, clocking up over five million kilometres in service.”
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward says that EMCCA is “on the case” in helping the region’s bus fleet to move away from diesel.
“These buses bring everything that our residents have told us they need from their journeys, with air-conditioning, extra leg room, and full colour destination displays,” she adds. “And this is vital; the more people that use the bus, the closer we get to building a city that is clean, well connected, and climate resilient.”
Ticketer wins LCRCA ticketing, AVL and real-time info contract
Ticketer has been selected by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to deliver automatic vehicle location (AVL), real-time information and ticketing technology services to the region’s franchised bus network after success in what the supplier says was “a rigorous procurement and consultation process.”
It will provide the TK300 ticket machine as well as other solutions such as the new Driver Connect on-road communication feature via managed services from Smart Applications Management (SAM).
The first franchised buses in the city region will commence operation this autumn, with completion of the transition away from a deregulated network expected by the end of 2027.
Award of the LCRCA ticketing, AVL and real-time contract builds on what Ticketer says has been its unique and in-depth experience supporting the Bee Network in Greater Manchester since launch. AVL and ticketing services are supplied there.
It adds: “With the company continuing to not just support but help shape the industry as it evolves, regions exploring similar transitions will again look to Ticketer and the Liverpool City Region as examples of how technology and strong partnerships can support the successful delivery of modern, integrated bus networks that are tailored to regional needs.”
Continues Ticketer Chief Operating Officer Adam Toone: “We are incredibly proud to have been appointed as the key technology partner supporting the Liverpool City Region’s move to bus franchising.
“Every area has its own priorities and opportunities when delivering franchising, so we are excited to bring our past experience and knowledge to this partnership with LCRCA, its operator partners and SAM to help define and deliver a modern, reliable and passenger-focused bus network that meets their specific needs.”
LCRCA Head of Franchising Kara Wood notes how the partnership with Ticketer “focuses on the operational delivery of a reliable and punctual bus service to enhance the passenger experience.”
Euro Bus Expo Masterclass Theatre call for speakers is opened
Applications to speak in the Masterclass Theatre at Euro Bus Expo 2026 are open ahead of the coach and bus industry's premier trade show being held at the NEC Birmingham on 3-5 November.
Operators of all sizes, local and combined authorities, manufacturers, suppliers and trade bodies can apply. Organiser Diversified UK and Europe is seeking sessions that tackle an operational or commercial challenge, show how a practice has been improved, or explain a regulatory change.
A range of formats to present are available, including keynotes, panel discussions, case studies, lightning talks, fireside chats, and one-to-one clinics.
Particular areas of focus in 2026 include pricing strategy and cost pressures; recruitment and retention; the impact of Employment Rights Act changes; practical realities of fleet transition away from fossil fuels (in particular for coach operators working with HVO); and how SMEs and independents are making franchising and Enhanced Partnerships work.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of operators and authorities, with selection of sessions based on quality, originality, relevance, and audience interest.
“The Masterclass Theatre works best when it reflects the real decisions, challenges and innovations shaping the industry right now,” says Euro Bus Expo Event Director Helen Conway.
“Opening the 2026 call for speakers gives operators, authorities and suppliers a direct route into that conversation, with the chance to share practical experience and lessons that others across the sector can benefit from.”
Registration for Euro Bus Expo is free, and is open ahead of this year’s event. Momentum continues to build, which is reflected in the depth of vehicle manufacturers and dealerships that have confirmed their presence.
The VDL Futura 3 coach in right-hand drive format is set to make its debut on the show floor. More than 25 vehicle exhibitors and 75 vehicles are expected across the halls in what will be the largest single gathering of UK road-ready coach, bus, minibus and minicoach products anywhere in the country this year. Selected vehicles will be available for ride and drive across the three days.
Recent additions to the vehicle line-up capture Brian Noone, Scania, and Temsa. They join confirmed manufacturers and dealers including BYD, Daimler Buses, Mellor, Pelican Yutong, Volvo, and Wrightbus. Irizar UK, which recently opened its new headquarters in Blyth, will also exhibit its latest range.
More than 20 first-time exhibitors are confirmed for 2026, with the wider line-up set to approach 200. Named suppliers include Zenobē in charging and depot infrastructure; Geotab and Microlise in operational software and telematics; Littlepay, Masabi and Ticketer in ticketing and payments; and Asset Alliance Group, Backhouse Jones and Gallagher in finance, legal services, insurance, and more.
Visitors will also decide the winner of the Innovation Challenge. New products, technologies and services from across the supply chain go to a public vote on days one and two. Finalists will pitch live in the Masterclass Theatre on day three, when the contested Judges’ Choice and Operators’ Choice Award winners will be announced.
Euro Bus Expo is now over 80% sold. Organisations interested in exhibiting are advised to act quickly and contact Commercial Manager Martin Laverton on 01733 405735 or [email protected]
Submissions for the Masterclass Theatre programme close on 19 June. Apply via the Euro Bus Expo website.