The industry is really looking forward to the future

The transition to climate-friendly mobility, economic pressure, the shortage of skilled workers – the challenges facing the bus industry are considerable. This was emphasised by Dirk Hoffmann, Managing Director of Messe Berlin, in his opening speech at the start of BUS2BUS 2026 on the Future Forum Stage in Hall 25. “But if you look around here, it becomes equally clear: this industry has the solutions – and the will to implement them,” said Hoffmann.

Across the entire value chain, 156 manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers from 25 countries are presenting their solutions – from drive systems and software to charging and infrastructure. “We’re not just talking about transformation – we’re showing how it works,” said trade fair Managing Director Hoffmann. International experts will also explain in more than 100 sessions how alternative drive systems, digitalisation and new operating models can be implemented. Because: “The future of bus mobility isn’t created in isolation, but through dialogue – and that’s exactly what BUS2BUS is here for.”

BUS2BUS ZONE at InnoTrans Asia

This BUS2BUS concept in Berlin, which combines a trade show, a specialist programme and a content platform, will also be available to experience in Asia next year, with its own BUS2BUS ZONE at InnoTrans Asia in Singapore, from 7 to 9 September 2027. “We are bringing the themes of BUS2BUS and its network to new markets and strengthening international exchange,” announced Dirk Hoffmann. And the trade fair is also evolving in Berlin. From 2028, BUS2BUS will be extended to three days.

For Karl Hülsmann, President of the German Bus and Coach Operators Association (bdo) e.V., it was already clear on Wednesday as he arrived: “This is the best BUS2BUS ever.” One could sense the very special forward-looking spirit; “the industry is really looking forward to the future,” he said in his opening speech. At the trade fair, people present, discuss, try things out, think ahead together on mobility, develop – and network. Hülsmann also referred to the very close links with politics, the Transport Committee and the Parliamentary Group on Bus Transport. Both were represented by visits to the fair. He was delighted with this strong political backing.

The backbone of climate-friendly mobility

Andreas Kraus, State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment in the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment, also brought this to the fair’s opening. “Bus transport is the backbone of climate-friendly mobility and one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport in the passenger transport sector,” said Kraus. In Berlin alone, around one million passengers use the yellow buses every day. “This highlights just how important this mode of transport is for the functioning of this city. We want to continue to improve and develop this.” According to Kraus, BUS2BUS demonstrates how mobility, climate protection and quality of life go hand in hand, but also how much innovative potential lies within the industry.

For the Berlin State Secretary, a key component of this transformation is the shift to electric propulsion in bus transport. “Together with the BVG, Berlin has set itself the goal of decarbonising the entire bus fleet by 2035.” Almost 300 electric buses are already in daily use today, with a further 270 set to be added. The automation of large public transport vehicles is also a key building block for the mobility of tomorrow, according to Kraus.

AI? Just get started

Fabian Westerheide discussed the major future topic of artificial intelligence in his keynote speech “AI in SMEs: Less bureaucracy. More Speed”. As an investor, author and speaker, Westerheide is one of the most prominent voices for AI and digital transformation in Europe. His advice was clear: “Start small, test a pilot project that suits you.” It is not about being the first when it comes to AI, but about implementing the right applications for your own business and continuously optimising them. What is important is an internal cultural shift and positioning the topic strategically at board level.

How, then, can AI transform the bus industry? “Self-driving logistics, smart manufacturing, automated customer service and autonomous AI systems will take on complex tasks,” predicted Westerheide. Humans and machines will work together as a team. “AI agents will become digital colleagues who assist with routine tasks, provide real-time analyses and thus create space for creative and strategic work.” According to the expert, many things can be solved better and more cost-effectively through AI. This brings decisive competitive advantages and could alleviate one of the biggest challenges: the skills shortage.