This unique event will bring together local authorities, operators, consultancy and service providers to share best practice across the bus sector.
Quality Bus is an event run by the industry for the industry. Produced by the Bus Centre of Excellence and Landor LINKS, this event will bring together the bus sector in times of major change.
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The increasing devolution of bus operations will mean changes in route planning and frequency, along with potential for new partnerships with service operators.
Local authorities will have greater control over funding for bus services, including concessionary travel and subsidies.
The Bus Centre or Excellence (BCoE) is ready to build skills and capacity as the bus sector gets ready for these key developments. Whether following the franchising or the enhanced partnership model for improving local bus services, all places in the country need the right skills and capability to deliver attractive bus services as part of an integrated, net zero transport system.
The Bus Centre of Excellence will help all those serving the bus sector to grow the skills and understanding they need to deliver better bus services for their areas.​​​
Buses in the UK: what's happening?
The UK is becoming a global leader in electric buses
The UK is now Europe’s biggest market for zero-emission buses by volume. In 2025, more than 2,500 zero-emission buses and coaches were registered —
a 62% jump in a single year. Over 27% of all new buses entering service are now zero-emission.
The UK is electrifying buses faster than most of Europe.
Bus networks are moving back under public control
One of the biggest transport shifts in decades is happening - cities and regions are increasingly taking control of buses through franchising systems and Enhanced Partnerships. The devolved nations are taking different routes towards bringing buses back under public control, but the overall direction of travel is clear: more regulation, more local authority power and less reliance on fully deregulated private markets.
Britain wants 1 billion extra bus journeys
The UK bus industry has an official ambition to add 1 billion more passenger journeys per year by 2030, and buses carry billions of passengers annually. Bus fares remain nationally capped in much of England, with the £3 national fare cap (outside London in many areas) has been extended into 2027. Many other UK councils and operators run their own concessionary fares, flat fares or daily caps.
Buses remain the backbone of UK public transport
The UK's bus network is one of the largest and most heavily used in Europe. Buses still account for the majority of public transport journeys in many parts of Britain, especially outside London. They are essential for rural mobility, school travel, commuting, and access to healthcare and shopping.
Why attend?
Reliable, affordable and regular buses are the difference between opportunity and isolation for millions of people across the country.
This event will showcase new opportunities in bus operations, strategy, policy, funding and innovation, including:
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New bus operating models
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Buses and integrated transport networks
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Bus and passenger safety
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New automated services and busways
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Growing skills and capability across the sector
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Improving the passenger experience: information, pricing, convenience, ticketing, vehicles and infrastructure
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Bus priority schemes / urban traffic management
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Partnership working
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Reducing operator costs
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Decarbonisating vehicles
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Optimising vehicle usage and routing
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Funding frameworks and economic, operational and business models
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Rural / peri-urban services and DRT
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Understanding bus usage and networks: models and data
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Bus infrastructure and design
Exhibiting Opportunities
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Email Daniel Simpson on daniel@landor.co.uk or call: 020 7091 7861
to secure an exhibition space or sponsorship package
“From Raleigh Bikes to Rolls Royce engines, the East Midlands has always been the home of transport innovation. We’re excited to partner-up with the Bus Centre of Excellence and Department for Transport to welcome delegates to Nottingham and share our bold vision for an Extended Enhanced Partnership for buses alongside our exciting plans for bus electrification and our rural accessibility pilot in the Peak District"
Claire Ward
Mayor of the East Midlands
Who should attend?
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This unique event will bring together local authorities, operators, consultancy and service providers to share best practice across the bus sector. We welcome professionals from a range of sectors involved in the following areas:
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Embedding bus services in new development
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Evaluating the extent and effectiveness of policy and governance in supporting bus services
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The social and economic consequences of poor connectivity
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How can innovation and alternative service models provide solutions?
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Decarbonising the bus sector
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Creating safe, reliable, and inclusive integrated networks
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Demand Responsive Transport
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New approaches to evaluation and economic models
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Skills, training and resource
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Behaviour change / modal shift
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AI and Autonomous Vehicle Integration
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Improving digital connectivity to support innovative services
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Transport technology platforms, tools and services
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Taxis, coaches, car share and supporting services
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Fares and ticketing
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New approaches to allocating limited road space
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Bus shelters and roadside infrastructure
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Information and communications
Apply for a BCoE-supported delegate place...
Event partner Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) is generously funding a number of places for selected delegates to attend Quality Bus 2026.
BCoE will be prioritising local authorities and there will be a maximum of one free ticket per organisation.
Successful applicants will be contacted shortly after this. A waiting list will be held for unsuccessful applicants.
“Discover the legendary Robin Hood Network in Nottingham and what makes the East Midlands region home to some of the highest bus passenger satisfaction scores in England. A packed agenda of site visits and thought-provoking discussion on the future of buses awaits everyone willing to join our outlaw band this November at the grade II listed Albert Hall Conference centre”
Richard Wellings
Principal Public Transport Officer
East Midlands Combined County Authority
Sponsored by:
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