UrbanThings and Paragon ID at Euro Bus Expo 2022
UrbanThings and Paragon ID will be exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo from 1st to 3rd November on stand T46!
Our team will be giving demos of UrbanHub, our Mobility-as-a-Service platform, and Bus Checker, the UK’s largest independent bus times app. This will be an opportunity for all bus and coach professionals to discover how they can increase their revenue and patronage with powerful tools and features including:
- Passenger and Driver Apps for RTI, m-Ticketing and MaaS
- Real-time passenger information and vehicle tracking
- Mobile ticketing with QR barcode, visual validation and more
- Contactless cEMV card integrations
- Webshops for m-Ticketing and reservations
There will be exclusive sneak previews of new roadmap features, and a chance to find out how we’re putting our new-found coupling with Paragon ID (leading provider of smart ticketing solutions worldwide) to great use to deliver innovative technologies.
Visitors will be able to discover the Bus Checker app and sign up to start selling tickets for free. Allowing passengers to plan journeys, see real-time information and buy mobile tickets in the same place, Bus Checker is the UK’s largest independent bus app, powering 100 million journeys a year. UK bus operators can now sell mobile tickets in this app with no set-up fee. We offer a quick and simple onboarding so bus operators can sell tickets immediately.
Finally, there will be a chance to win a giant LEGO bus (more than 1,600 pieces) on our stand.
“More than ever, cities and transport operators need to make services efficient, effortless and sustainable for everyone. UrbanThings has been creating technology solutions to enable Mobility-as-A-Service (MaaS) to achieve these ambitions. We are delighted to attend Euro Bus Expo this year to showcase UrbanHub and Bus Checker, and present how we’re putting our new-found coupling with Paragon ID to great use to deliver innovative new technologies.” Carl Partridge, CEO of UrbanThings
More information on urbanthings.co
Zero Emission Zone makes Euro Bus Expo debut in November
The Zero Emission Zone debut at Euro Bus Expo this November will showcase a range of battery-electric coaches, buses and minibuses.
The Zone, first launched at Coach and Bus UK in 2019, is delivered in partnership with ESP Utilities Group and electric mobility solution provider Enel X Ways. Confirmed exhibitors include:
- Alexander Dennis, which will have on display its double-deck Enviro400EV model
- Equipmake, set to bring an Optare Versa EVR
- Conversion specialist GM Coachwork, which is to exhibit a Maxus eDeliver 9 battery-electric minibus
- Mellor, expected to showcase a 10m example of its Sigma range
- Pelican Bus and Coach, which will present a Yutong TCe12 battery-electric coach.
The vehicles will be on display in the grounds of the National Exhibition Centre between 1-3 November, where a route has been designated for demonstrations.
Organiser Diversified Business Communications UK says the models will make for an "exciting parade" during a time of technological innovation and growing pressure for cleaner vehicles.
Says Martin Navarro, Head of Enel X Way UK: "Enel X Way is proud to be powering the Zero Emission Zone debut at this year's Euro Bus Expo, using our charging infrastructure to bring the electric buses in this showcase to life.
"We look forward to demonstrating what the 'future' of smart transportation looks like at the event, including technology-based solutions that, for example, can optimise charging schedules based on site load, energy costs and route timetables. We are delighted to team up with ESP Utilities Group in this space as part of the larger electrification ecosystem and journey."
Adds Graham Vidler, CEO of industry trade association and official show partner, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT): "With the road to net zero at the top of the political agenda, operators and manufacturers know how crucial it is that we act now to achieve ambitious targets and tackle climate change.
"It is great to see that Euro Bus Expo will be looking closely at how our industry can play its part in decarbonising transport. The event is an industry staple that has been sorely missed - this year will be an opportunity to reconnect and continue to have important discussions around the top challenges facing us today."
Euro Bus Expo Masterclass Theatre speakers confirmed
The Masterclass Theatre speaker programme for Euro Bus Expo has been announced by event organiser Diversified Communications.
Drawing expertise from a variety of segments, those individuals will talk about a wide range of industry-relevant subjects on all three days of the trade show, which will be held at the NEC Birmingham between 1-3 November. They will explore the challenges, opportunities and trends that lie ahead for coach and bus.
Set to be present at Euro Bus Expo alongside the Masterclass Theatre will be over 200 exhibitors and 80 vehicles. A strong attendance from visitors from within the industry is expected, including local authorities. Individuals intending to visit can register for free tickets here.
Says Event Director Helen Conway: “With just over two weeks to go, we are excited to reveal more details of the inspiring leaders and world-class innovators at Euro Bus Expo. With opportunity to network, and to learn how to enhance the passenger experience and business efficiency, the show is the place to connect with suppliers, industry professionals and fellow operators.”
The keynote address on Wednesday 2 November will be delivered by Under-Secretary of State for Transport Baroness Vere. On the same day, Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt will also address visitors.
The full speaker programme is as follows:
Day one, Tuesday 1 November
The power of persuasion: World authority on influence and persuasion Peter Hesketh – author of two Amazon number one bestsellers – will share insights to inspire operators to win hearts, minds and new customers through understanding seven key psychological drivers.
Understanding your customer: Marketing strategist and founder of Katchi Marketing Kate Chidzik will deliver strategies for marketing to different demographics, with a focus on the values-driven, proactive and digitally native Generation Z.
Zero Emission Coach Taskforce – identifying the challenges to destination zero: Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Policy Manager Rebecca Kite will report on the findings of the Zero Emission Coach Taskforce, which brings together operators, vehicle OEMs, energy, finance and infrastructure providers, and government representatives.
Zero Emission Coach Taskforce – overcoming the challenges to destination zero: Following the above session, a roundtable discussion will help to form phase two of the Taskforce’s work. It seeks to identify possible solutions, collaborations and requirements for the zero-emission coach transition. Taskforce Chair Ian Luckett will lead the session, supported by Daniel Hayes, Zemo Partnership Programme Manager, Hafsa Ameen of Zeelo, and Sukky Choongh and Will Reeves from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Day two, Wednesday 2 November
Keynote: Under-Secretary of State for Transport Baroness Vere: Lady Vere will open with a tour of the government’s priorities for the coach and bus industry.
Compliance: Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt: Mr Turfitt will examine processing times for O-Licence applications, and compliance – including key legislative requirements, common pitfalls and the importance of continuous professional development.
Working in partnership: Jeff Counsell: Managing Director of Trentbarton and Kinchbus, Mr Counsell will share the success story of operators and a local authority working together to secure £47m of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.
Tackling the driver shortage: Richard Grey and Alex Hornby: Mr Grey, MD of coach operator Greys of Ely, and Mr Hornby, CEO of Transdev Blazefield, will explore the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the driver shortage.
Infrastructure for the Future – starting the conversation: A panel discussion will outline factors to consider when adopting new infrastructure, including funding, depot planning, power demand profiling, grid connection, engaging with distribution network operators, and installation. Taking part will be Daniel Hayes of Zemo Partnership; Michael Kent of Enel X; Daniel Hilson on Evenergi; and Neil Madgwick of UK Power Network.
Day two, Thursday 3 November
Advantages of zero-emission vehicles for SMEs: Association of Local Bus Managers Network members Austin Blackburn, MD of Go-Coach, and Jane Cole, MD of Blackpool Transport, will speak about the pros and cons of zero-emission vehicles for small- and medium-sized businesses. They will consider whether there is a route for those operators to follow and what support is required to avoid higher fares or service reductions.
How can big data deliver better businesses and better services? How can big data improve profitability, efficiency and productivity will be explored by CPT Cymru Director Josh Miles, who will talk with coach start-up Ember co-founder Keith Bradbury, and representatives of technology providers including Daniel Chick of Zipabout and Dave Joshua of Optibus.
Innovation Challenge: Pitches and results: The Innovation Challenge (detailed here) will allow visitors to Euro Bus Expo to discover new products and services. Exhibitor entries will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourite on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 November. Suppliers of the innovations with the most votes will then each deliver a 90-second pitch to attendees and a panel of judges.