On 4–5 November 2026, bus and coach operators and their industry partners gather at the H+ Hotel Leipzig-Halle for the 21st Mitteldeutscher Omnibustag. This year also marks 30 years of the MDO, one of the three regional industry associations hosting the event. TSI Telematic Services GmbH is taking part once again, continuing our long-standing involvement in the gathering.
Operating costs, driver shortages and public transport funding remain high on the agenda, alongside investment in alternative powertrains and the infrastructure they require. Through its conference, exhibition and informal discussions, the event brings these wider challenges into focus through practical experience and direct conversation.
Fuel and energy costs: The case for greater efficiency
Reducing fuel consumption has long been a priority for bus and coach operators. High diesel prices make acting on opportunities to save all the more urgent. On 1 October, Euronews reported that the average EU pump price had reached €2.24 a litre, up from €1.59 in February, citing European Commission figures. The scale of that increase underlines the financial pressure on operators across Europe.
The pressure extends beyond the pumps. In its Electricity Mid-Year Update 2026, the International Energy Agency reports that higher natural gas prices pushed up the cost of electricity generation. Average EU spot wholesale electricity prices in the second quarter were more than 30% higher than a year earlier.
Operators have limited influence over energy markets. Understanding and reducing their own consumption, however, gives them a practical way to keep day-to-day costs under control.
One minute to make the case: Measure consumption, turn insight into savings
Our one-minute elevator pitch focused on how telematics can help. The principle is straightforward: meaningful fuel savings start with reliable data, followed by action.
Measuring fuel consumption by driver and journey makes it easier to see what is happening in everyday operation. Analysing those figures helps identify differences and target improvements. It also provides a basis for involving drivers and recognising economical driving—for example, through bonus schemes based on measured driving performance. That gives both the business and its drivers a tangible stake in the results.
Keeping in touch with the industry
The Omnibustag has long offered a chance to catch up on industry developments and exchange ideas. For us, those conversations help shape the development of our solutions: What information is useful in day-to-day operations? Which tasks could be simpler? And how can the data already being collected lead to practical improvements across the business?
As Your Telematics Partner, we help you turn these questions into practical improvements throughout the year.
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