The dynamics of Busworld Europe extend beyond just showing shiny new vehicles and technological gadgets.
After a four-year hiatus, Busworld Europe is back in the spotlight, and organizers claim that this time the event will be bigger and more impressive than ever before. The long-awaited 26th edition runs until October 12, 2023 in Brussels, the Belgian capital that has already hosted this important bus and coach fair. With more than 48 years of experience, Busworld is without a doubt the most renowned trade fair of its kind in the world.
One of the big attention grabbers this year is a world first from the Belgian bus builder Van Hool. The Lier-based company has unveiled its new 24-metre long electric tram bus, which is not only the longest of its kind, but also technologically superior to anything currently existing in the bus landscape. This news has attracted international media to Brussels, where journalists from around the world were able to get a first look at this impressive machine.
Van Hool
Van Hool pulled the curtains on their latest creation: the double-articulated electric bus, specifically designed for use in Paris. The vehicle is the result of a collaboration between the Belgian Van Hool, the French Alstom and the German Kiepe Electric. These three companies together form a consortium that focuses on developing advanced public transport solutions.
The innovative bus will be powered by fast-charging high-power batteries from Kiepe Electric. The charging process uses conductive ground-based static charging, also known as SRS, a technology developed and supplied by Alstom. This allows the vehicle to charge quickly during stops, contributing to a more flexible and efficient timetable.
Olympics
Earlier in 2022, Île-de-France Mobilités, the organization responsible for public transport in the Paris region, signed a framework agreement with the consortium. This agreement includes a minimum order of 56 vehicles. The aim is to use these buses to transport the large numbers of visitors and participants expected during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Each electric bus has a capacity of up to 140 passengers and is specifically designed to run every 5 minutes during peak hours. This will significantly contribute to increasing the capacity of public transport in the French capital, a city that has struggled with overcrowded buses and metros for years. This technological progress allows Île-de-France Mobilités to offer efficient and environmentally friendly transport services. Not only during the Olympic Games, but also as a sustainable long-term solution for a city that strives for a greener future.
Busworld has spread its wings further in recent decades and now offers a stage to exhibitors from all over the world, each of whom has their own contribution to this rapidly changing industry.
Making public transport more sustainable remains a central theme in the industry. An international jury consisting of 30 experts determines which vehicles will win prizes during the trade fair, and it is noticeable that the green character plays an increasingly important role in their judgment. This is underlined by the statement: “One bus on the street replaces 30 cars,” highlighting the potential of buses to provide a more sustainable mobility solution.
The event functions as a barometer for the trends, challenges and opportunities that the bus and coach sector is currently experiencing. The platform has become an essential meeting place for decision makers, engineers, and transport experts who work together on the future of public transport and mobility.
The Busworld exhibition floor is not only a showcase for technological innovations but also functions as a marketplace for business transactions and strategic partnerships.
For example, Ebusco, a company that plays a leading role in the development of electric buses and charging systems, has signed a new agreement with the Tienen bus company Multiobus. They will supply 20 new Ebusco 2.2 buses, marking the continuation of a six-year partnership. Olivier Van Mullem, CEO of Multiobus, expressed his confidence in the joint future and emphasized that both companies are sticking to their vision of the future of electric mobility, even when this vision has often been questioned.
Overall underlined Busworld Europe the importance of innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the sector. At a time when urban areas struggle with congestion, pollution and a growing need for efficient public transport, the fair offers both hope and concrete solutions. It makes it clear that the bus and coach sector is ready for the challenges of tomorrow and wants to play an active role in the transition to a more sustainable future.
