24 entries to Innovation Challenge at Euro Bus Expo
No fewer than 24 entries have been submitted by exhibitors at Euro Bus Expo to the Innovation Challenge. They will be showcased at the coach and bus industry’s leading trade show, which is to be held at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November.
Each submission will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge Gallery. On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 November, visitors can learn about them and vote for their favourite initiative. The most popular will proceed to a final round to decide the winners.
On Thursday 3 November at 1100hrs in the Masterclass Theatre, those finalists will each explain via a 90-second pitch to a panel of judges drawn from the coach and bus industry why their product deserves an Innovation Challenge award. Results and the winners will be announced in the Masterclass Theatre at 1430hrs.
Judges include: Jon Eardley, Abellio London Bus MD; Phil Hitchen, Belle Vue Manchester MD; Chloe Leach-O'Connell, Leach-O'Connell Consultancy MD; Josh Miles, Confederation of Passenger Transport Cymru Director; and Tom Morgan, Trentbarton Group Commercial Director. Results will be announced at 1430hrs.
The entrants are as follows:
All-in-one ‘wedge’ MIMO coach, bus and tram antenna, from Antenna and Cables: A low profile, futureproof antenna exclusively designed for the commercial transport industry.
All-in-one validation and retailing ticketing system, from TransMach Systems: An all-in-one solution to help reduce fare dodging, retail tickets and digitalise manual forms and waybills.
AssetGo, from AssetGo Fleet and Compliance Management: A Software as a Service (SaaS)-based software platform that helps to streamline fleet operations and manage compliance.
BetterFleet, from Evenergi UK: A platform to plan, optimise and manage zero-emission vehicle fleet transition.
Camira Print, from Camira Transport Fabrics: A cutting edge digital print solution that delivers the ultimate in design and manufacturing freedom in coach and bus interiors.
Customer Resolution Centre, from Omnibus: A system to efficiently manage and resolve customer feedback that automatically collates enquiries into a central location.
Driver's Mate, from DriveTech (UK): Animations for drivers about safety at the wheel, best on-road practice for checking the vehicle and looking out for customers.
Evolve, from CitySwift: Evolve blends GPS, scheduling and ticketing data to deliver artificial intelligence-powered running times that drastically improve journey speeds and service dependability.
Hekaton, from Zenobe: Software that collects and analyses data, allowing fleet operators of battery-electric vehicles to minimise ‘peak power’ and energy costs while increasing operational efficiency.
Journeo Portal, from Journeo: Combines data, remote access/live monitoring and insight from critical on-vehicle systems and fleet/service management tools in one platform.
MiX Vision AI, from MiX Telematics Europe: A dashcam solution that uses machine vision and ADAS technology to monitor risky driving behaviours.
Monapass, from Flowbird Urban Intelligence: A Mobility as a Service app with many features, including account-based ticketing, secure in app m-tickets storage, integrated journey planning and more.
NotLost, from NotLost: A cloud-based SaaS lost property solution developed for Transport for London to enhance its passenger experience and explore improvements in intensive processes.
On-demand route tracking, from BusWhere: Passengers can ask for a pickup at any location. Rider and driver information is automatically shared, and the rider can see the bus on its way to pick them up.
Pedal Acoustic Feedback System, from Ardent: A feedback system that plays an audible tone to the driver whenever the accelerator is pressed to prevent incidents involving misapplication of pedals.
Run Out Accelerator, from Freeway Fleet Systems: Defects reported by drivers during first-use checks are captured electronically and pooled with defects already listed to minimise disruption during morning run-outs.
Scenic Buses, from Mangopear Creative: A website showcasing the many great bus routes in Britain, with timetables, route maps, tickets and information on things to do along the way.
Stratio Predictive Battery Analytics, from Battery Cortex Project: Research conducted by Stratio with Caetano Bus and the University of Halmstad to offer a more advanced set of metrics for electric buses.
The Cloud Workshop, from Tranzaura: An all-in-one connected digital platform that optimises the efficiency of compliance, safety and maintenance within a workshop environment.
The Connected Workshop, from Freeway Fleet Systems: Data from mobile devices and onboard vehicle sensors is transmitted live to a central hub that holds all fleet maintenance data.
Ticketer’s Smart Gateway, from Ticketer: Enables the Ticketer ETM to deliver fully integrated and richer solutions and data, for example by displaying occupancy data onto destination blinds.
TM Guide App, from EOS Training: This industry-first product will provide Transport Managers with the latest compliance on the go, replacing the requirement for material-based publications.
TransXChange Studio, from Elydium: An affordable cloud-native subscription service that makes timetable verification simple. No software installation is required, and there are no setup fees.
Wheely-Safe, from Wheely-Safe: An in-motion wheel loss detection system, incorporating brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system.
The Innovation Challenge is part of a wide range of exhibitors and events at Euro Bus Expo. Attendance is free. Register here.
[adrotate banner="229"]
Comprehensive Yutong display for Euro Bus Expo
Pelican Bus and Coach will have its range of current Yutong coaches and buses on show at Euro Bus Expo, with the Castleford dealership’s Managing Director Richard Crump describing the event as “a celebration” of the industry.
Within the indoor space will be a battery-electric TCe12 coach for Coatham Coaches; a mid-sized, rear-engined TC9 in PSVAR ready format for Mainline Coaches of South Wales; a GT12 tourer for a customer to be confirmed; and an E12 battery-electric bus.
During Euro Bus Expo, the latter vehicle will be formally handed over to Carmarthenshire County Council, where it will be used on the TrawsCymru network.
It is one of eight such buses that are equipped with dual CCS2 DC charging sockets to allow rapid battery replenishment, Lazzerini coach-style seats and the Journeo Edge intelligent gateway for cloud-connected services. Head of Yutong Sales Ian Downie has described the batch as “very high specification vehicles” that have been completed by Pelican Bus and Coach in the UK.
In addition to the vehicles on static display at Euro Bus Expo, Pelican will have a second Yutong TCe12 battery-electric coach available for demonstration to operators in the interactive Zero Emission Zone outside the halls.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Pelican Bus and Coach will be on stand C10.
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.