Bringing together local authorities, operators, service providers and consultants 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 share best practice across the bus sector in times of major change.
The increasing devolution of bus operations, particularly the shift towards local control, will mean changes in route planning and frequency, aling with potential for new local partnerships with service operators.
Local authorities will also 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.
Across the UK, over 4 billion passenger journeys are made each year, and this number continues to grow
Most bus journeys also involve elements of active travel with walking, cycling, or both
Nationally, one in three secondary school pupils reaches school by bus
In localities where high levels of housing and population growth are committed in local plans, inclusion of suitable public transport provision is vital
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.
This event will bring together professionals across the bus sector to showcase how solutions can be delivered across key areas:
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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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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
Email Daniel Simpson on daniel@landor.co.uk or call: 020 7091 7861
to secure an exhibition space or sponsorship package
“As Cabinet Member for Transport, I am proud of the incredible progress Portsmouth’s bus network has made.. We recently hit a major milestone, with over 1 million bus journeys being taken each month – up an impressive 17% versus last year. This surge puts Portsmouth among the top four cities in England for bus travel recovery ”
Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, Portsmouth City Council
Who should attend?
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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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 2025.
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.
“Portsmouth Buses Partnership delivers the benefits of bus franchising at a fraction of the cost and more quickly. Our collaborative approach boosts private sector confidence & strategically targets public investment to increase passenger numbers”
Paul Walker, Head of Passenger Transport,
Portsmouth City Council
Quality Bus Conference 2025
23-24 September 2025 | Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB
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