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Technology takes centre stage at Euro bus Expo 2008
Feb 14, 2008
The latest developments in technology, that are increasingly shaping the European Bus and Coach industry, will play a central role at Euro Bus Expo 2008 with a dedicated Technology Zone fully integrated into the show for the first time.
“The adoption of new technology – be it in improving the efficiency of vehicle operations or enhancing the passenger experience – has accelerated in recent years as bus and coach operators seek new ways of attracting and retaining passengers, differentiating their product offer, as well as reducing their cost base”, according to EBE 08 Show Director, Mark Griffin.
Euro Bus Expo 2008, which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, United Kingdom on 4-6th November, will underline the growing impact that technology is making in sector by establishing a dedicated “Technology Zone” as a central feature.
The 1000m2 Technology Zone, located in the heart of Hall 5, has already attracted over 30 Exhibitors, many of whom have previously exhibited at the “Transport Innovations” event that ran in parallel with the inaugural Euro Bus Expo show in 2006. Regular show attendees such as Almex, Journeyplan, INIT, Omnibus and Wayfarer will be joined this year by Euro Bus Expo debutant BAE Systems.
As well as a broad spectrum exhibiting companies, visitors to EBE08 will also be able to participate in a daily seminar programme which is likely once again to prove very popular as a way of keeping update with latest technological advances. ITSOTM – the Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation – which aims to facilitate the development of an interoperable smart environment, is an active supporter of both the Technology Zone and the seminar programme.
“With information systems and equipment, revenue collection systems, ticketing and mobile technology now mainstream components in the drive towards an ever more integrated approach to transport, there was a clear need to fully integrate a dedicated technology area into the show,” said Mark Griffin.
At the show, Technology Zone exhibitors will be highlighting a wide spectrum of passenger-orientated technologies, including real time journey planning, off-board ticketing and vending systems and interactive kiosks.
Operators will also have the opportunity to see up to the minute developments in fleet management, mobile telematics systems, on-line reservation systems as well as latest innovations in vehicle instrumentation, including devices that can monitor tyre pressures whilst a bus or coach is in service.
“Technology is one of three key themes at EBE 2008, along with Environment and Vehicle Solutions”, said Mark Griffin. With more than 100 buses and coaches of all shapes, sizes and power sources representing over 30 industry brands, the vehicles on display are likely to grab the headlines not least because of their sheer scale and presence. However, the future shape of passenger transport provision will be greatly influenced by both environmental considerations and underlying technologies, both of which will be taking centre stage at this year’s show.”
With a total of 350 Exhibitors expected to fill 34,000m2 stand space in one of Europe’s premier trade fair venues, Euro Bus Expo 2008 is the largest dedicated event for the bus and coach sector anywhere in Europe this year.
