A first-of-its-kind matchmaking event is set to make its debut at Bus & Coach Expo 2026, giving bus operators and local transport authorities direct access to zero emission vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers and funding specialists, all under one roof.
"Meet the Bus Operator" will take place on 23 April 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham, co-located with the wider Commercial Vehicle Show running from 21–23 April. The initiative has been organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in partnership with the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE), with the stated aim of accelerating the rollout of zero emission buses across the UK.
The event is built around structured one-to-one meetings between buyers and suppliers. More than 30 local transport authorities and bus operators are expected to attend, with the format designed to give both sides a focused setting in which to discuss real-world projects, from vehicle procurement and depot infrastructure to energy solutions and financing options.
By bringing together such a broad range of suppliers in a single venue, the organisers hope to cut through the complexity that has historically slowed zero emission bus adoption, allowing operators to progress multiple conversations in a single day rather than pursuing each strand separately.
Attendance is free for SMMT member suppliers and operators, which should help lower the barrier to participation for smaller organisations exploring the transition to cleaner fleets.
Taking place alongside Bus & Coach Expo, Meet the Bus Operator gives delegates the added benefit of access to a wider showcase of buses, coaches and commercial vehicles. This broader context means attendees can combine their one-to-one meetings with a review of the latest products and technologies on the market.
Operators and suppliers wishing to register their interest can do so through the SMMT events pages or the official Bus & Coach Expo website, where details on submitting an expression of interest for the one-to-one meetings are available. Exhibitors looking to take a stand at the expo can also register via the show website, with discounted rates typically available to SMMT members.
With the UK government continuing to push for decarbonisation of public transport, events such as this play an increasingly important role in helping operators navigate what can be a daunting transition. The combination of procurement, infrastructure, energy and finance expertise in one place reflects a growing recognition that moving to zero emission fleets is rarely a single-supplier decision — and that the most effective progress comes when all parts of the supply chain are in dialogue.
Bus & Coach Expo 2026 runs from 21–23 April at the NEC, Birmingham - https://www.smmt.co.uk/event/meet-the-bus-operator/
Tagged with: zero-emission buses, ZEB rollout, bus operator procurement, depot charging, hydrogen buses, electric buses, fleet decarbonisation, tyre management, rolling resistance, NEC Birmingham, SMMT, Bus Centre of Excellence
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