Opening keynotes at BUS2BUS 2026 indicated that the bus industry is preparing for further international exchange and technological development.
Speakers indicated that this momentum will also extend to Asia, where a dedicated bus-focused exhibition area will form part of InnoTrans Asia in Singapore in 2027.
At the opening of BUS2BUS 2026, speakers addressed the main pressures facing the sector, including the transition to low-emission transport, economic constraints, and a shortage of skilled labour. In response, representatives from across the industry pointed to ongoing innovation in areas such as alternative propulsion, digital systems, and automation.
Dirk Hoffmann, Managing Director of Messe Berlin said:We’re not just talking about transformation – we’re showing how it works.
The event brought together 156 exhibitors from 25 countries, covering the full value chain from vehicle technology to infrastructure and software. More than 100 sessions were scheduled to examine topics such as new operating models, digitalisation, and energy systems.
InnoTrans Asia 2027: BUS2BUS ZONE
The themes and structure of BUS2BUS will be extended beyond Europe through a new BUS2BUS ZONE at InnoTrans Asia, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 7 to 9 September 2027. The initiative is intended to support international dialogue and introduce the BUS2BUS format, combining exhibition, professional programme, and content platform, to new markets.
This development reflects the drive to strengthen global cooperation in public transport and to share approaches to common challenges such as decarbonisation and operational efficiency.
BUS2BUS
Looking ahead, Messe Berlin also plans to expand BUS2BUS itself, extending the event in Berlin to three days from 2028, up from the current 2 days. This reflects sustained interest in the format and its role as a platform for exchange between industry, policymakers, and technology providers.
At the 2026 edition, Andreas Kraus, Berlin’s State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment, emphasised the importance of bus transport in urban systems. He described buses as a central component of environmentally responsible mobility, noting that around one million passengers use Berlin’s bus network each day.
Kraus outlined ongoing efforts to modernise the city’s fleet, including a target to fully decarbonise bus operations by 2035 in partnership with the city’s public transport operator. Electric vehicles already form part of daily operations, with further expansion planned. Automation in large passenger vehicles was also identified as an area of continued development.
Andreas Kraus, State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment in the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment said:Bus transport is the backbone of climate-friendly mobility and one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport in the passenger transport sector.
The application of artificial intelligence was another key theme at the event. In a keynote address, investor and author Fabian Westerheide encouraged organisations to adopt a gradual and practical approach to AI implementation. He suggested starting with pilot projects and aligning digital strategies with organisational priorities.
Potential uses of AI in the bus sector include automated customer services, predictive maintenance, and data-driven operational planning. Westerheide indicated that such systems may help address workforce shortages by supporting routine tasks and enabling more efficient use of resources.
With the addition of the BUS2BUS ZONE at InnoTrans Asia, the sector is now aiming for broader international engagement. Meanwhile, the developments announced in Berlin suggest that collaboration, technological adoption, and policy alignment will remain central to the evolution of bus transport.
