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Held on 14 October, the first day of TRANSEXPO 2026, the gala brought together representatives of bus manufacturers, technology suppliers, transport operators and public transport institutions. It was an opportunity to recognise both the latest solutions showcased at the trade show and the people whose experience, expertise and commitment continue to drive the industry forward.

TRANSEXPO 2026 Medals for Innovative Vehicles and Technologies

In the Buses category, the judging panel awarded three medals. The winners were MAN Truck & Bus Polska for the Neoplan Tourliner VIP, Solaris Bus & Coach for the Solaris Urbino 10.5 electric, and Huta Stalowa Wola, Autosan Branch in Sanok, for the AUTOSAN SANVIA 12NF D bus. Solaris Bus & Coach also received a distinction for its new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen.

In the Bus Parts and Equipment category, MEDCOM received a medal for its universal SiC-based drive system for trolleybuses. Distinctions were awarded to Autonomous Systems for SmartDEPOT™ and Systemy Autobusowe for the Feutechnik G-Detect gas detection system.

In the Fare Collection Systems category, medals went to Mennica Polska [Polish Mynth] for MigAppka, Poland’s first mobile app for purchasing public transport tickets using stop-based fare calculation, and PIXEL for the PIXEL Aura system. SYSTEM EG received a distinction for its MIG ticket vending terminal featuring facial recognition.

The judging panel also recognised solutions in the Passenger Service Systems category. Distinctions went to DRABPOL for STREAMAX P3D and Codimi for BusHarmony.

Polish Bus of the Year 2026: More Than 10,000 Votes and Four Winners

One of the highlights of the gala was the presentation of the Polish Bus of the Year 2026 awards, organised by the editorial team at TransInfo.pl. More than 10,000 votes were cast in this year’s poll, recognising vehicles that stand out in the Polish market.

The title of Mini Bus of the Year 2026 went to the MAN-Mercus TGE City LF, operated by Grodziskie Przewozy Autobusowe. The vehicle features solutions designed to make travel easier for older people and passengers with reduced mobility. Its front-wheel-drive configuration allows the low-floor area to extend across as much as half of the passenger compartment.

The City Bus of the Year 2026 award went to the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen, operated by Komunikacja Miejska Rybnik. The 18-metre articulated hydrogen-powered bus offers a manufacturer-declared range of up to 600 kilometres, with refuelling taking approximately 20 minutes.

In the intercity bus category, the winner was the IVECO Crossway 12 LE Elec, operating in the colours of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is the first Class II electric bus to enter regular service in Poland. The vehicle offers a declared range of around 400 kilometres on a single charge.

The title of Touring Bus of the Year 2026 went to the Setra TopClass S 516 HDH, part of the fleet operated by Fun Club Poznań travel agency. The model belongs to the luxury TopClass range, which won the international Coach of the Year 2026 title.

Bus Guru 2026: Honouring Leading Figures in Poland’s Bus Industry

The gala also featured the prestigious Bus Guru 2026 awards, presented by TransInfo.pl to people whose professional achievements, innovative ideas and long-standing commitment have contributed to the development of public transport.

This year, 14 industry figures were honoured: Solange Olszewska, Krzysztof Olszewski, Lech Cyrankowski, Jacek Korczak-Siwicki, Bogusław Matlak, Dariusz Michalak, Zbigniew Palenica, Julian Pilszczek, Roman Podsiadły, Piotr Rachwalski, Władysław Smyk, Maciej Szymański, Sylwester Wojewódzki and Ryszard Wójcik.

The Bus Guru awards recognise people who have not only built businesses and introduced new technologies, but also helped shape the development of urban, regional and tourist transport in Poland.

TOP DESIGN, Historic Buses and Company Anniversaries

The ceremony also recognised exhibitors who had gone the extra mile to present their products and services. TOP DESIGN awards and distinctions were presented for eye-catching stand designs, comprehensive company displays and innovative exhibition concepts.

A special medal for organising the 6th Exhibition of Historic Buses went to Miejskie Zakłady Autobusowe in Warsaw. Featuring vehicles representing different decades in the development of urban public transport, the exhibition is one of the highlights of this year’s TRANSEXPO.

The gala also provided an opportunity to honour companies and institutions celebrating significant anniversaries. Special congratulations went to the Polish Chamber of Urban Transport (IGKM), a TRANSEXPO partner and co-organiser, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Commemorative diplomas were also presented to companies with histories ranging from 5 to 125 years.

EL-CAB was the partner of the gala.

TRANSEXPO 2026: Three Days of Public Transport Industry Meetings

This year’s International Public Transport Trade Show TRANSEXPO is taking place at Expo Kielce from 14 to 16 October. The event brings together nearly 130 exhibitors, with visitors able to explore almost 80 vehicle models from 15 brands, alongside a wide range of technologies and equipment for public transport.

The awards presented at the gala reflect the pace of change across the industry, from the development of electric mobility and hydrogen-powered vehicles to the digitalisation of passenger services and innovative solutions designed to improve comfort and safety.

Congratulations to all the winners of medals, distinctions and awards at TRANSEXPO 2026!

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