Buses, Tech, and Education take center stage at BusCon 2019

Bringing buses, technology, and some of the latest educational topics, BusCon 2019 will return to the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis Sept. 23 to 25.

BusCon offers budget-conscious bus operators extraordinary value, with the Early Bird full conference pass starting at $120, which includes two networking receptions, educational programming, the exhibit hall, and more.

This year’s show will feature up to 60 vehicles, with offerings ranging from electric buses from BYD, Complete Coach Works, and Proterra to shuttles from IC Bus and Micro Bird and wheelchair accessible offerings from ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, BraunAbility, and MobilityTrans, as well as everything in between.

The show floor will also feature the latest technologies in the industry from a range of suppliers offering surveillance cameras, seating and fabrics, HVAC systems, driver training, software, and more.

Find Out What’s New
From an educational standpoint, BusCon will feature sessions on the hottest trends in the industry.

Session topics on the slate this year, include a look at how fleets can go from pilot to full adoption of electric vehicles, how autonomous vehicles can integrate with public transit and other mobility options, and how tech can transform your bus operation.

For limousine, motorcoach operators, and more, BusCon will take a look at the best ways to retain drivers, as well as how to prepare your operation for new safety regulations coming down the pike and how to make your overall operations more dynamic.

Returning with a special session on Monday, Sept. 23, the National Transit Institute will host a session on Transit Asset Management for Tier II providers.

Maintenance, Awards and More
The Transit Maintenance Forum (TMF) will also return to BusCon this year, which gives senior transit maintenance professionals the chance to learn about some of the latest trends they are facing in their shops. Holding this event at BusCon also affords transit professionals the unique opportunity to network and share challenges with peers and keep up-to-date with the newest vehicles, technologies, and products on the market today.  

Content for TMF will again be created by a steering committee that features some of the most experienced and well-regarded maintenance professionals in the industry, including Bus Maintenance Consultant and well-known Industry Expert Halsey King.

As of press time, topics on tap for TMF, include battery-electric bus training, risk management in the world of emerging pandemic outbreaks, and an overview from  FTA’s Altoona Bus Testing center, which will provide a look at how the program is changing as bus technology continues to evolve.

Attendees have the opportunity to not only attend TMF, but also all of BusCon’s networking events and the Keynote Address.     

In association with METRO Magazine, BusCon will also be naming its Transit Maintenance Directors of the Year. Now in its second year, the award was designed to honor two bus maintenance directors — one with a fleet of over 501 vehicles, and one with a fleet under 500 vehicles (includes paratransit operators) — who have gone above and beyond to create a well-run maintenance shop. To apply, visit www.metro-magazine.com/TMDOTY.

METRO will also unveil its Innovative Solutions Award winners, which rewards suppliers and operators for programs that have benefitted their operation and passengers, while the Propane Education & Research Council will award fleets for their success in transitioning to propane autogas.

In addition to all that, BusCon gives attendees an opportunity to meet both old and new friends at its fun and exciting networking events, and for operators and suppliers to come together and meet face-to-face with BusCon Connect.

Stay tuned to www.metro-magazine.com for all the latest developments with the show, including the final schedule and announcement for this year’s Keynote Address.

For more information and to register, visit www.BusConExpo.com or call (800) 576-8788.