I am writing this ahead of the annual CoachMarque Conference which makes a welcome return to the East Midlands this weekend after an enforced two-year break. As both a sponsor and presenter at this event, I very much look forward to catching up with industry colleagues, many of our customers and the team at CPT, whilst also updating you all on the latest product developments and enhancements from Rise Digital Media.
As we all know, the pandemic hit our industry particularly hard, especially the coaching sector, and it continues to impact operations as we await the return of passenger numbers to pre-pandemic levels. As a supplier who works predominantly with bus and coach operators, Rise Digital Media also felt the knock-on effects of the last couple of years; however, it did provide me with some time to reflect, take stock and consider the role that technology and digital services can play in helping the industry move towards and prosper in the “new normal”.
Our mission is straightforward: To work with the bus and coach industry to provide effective software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions providing measurable business efficiencies, helping to deliver modal shift as we work together to make bus and coach travel a more attractive option for new and existing passengers.
The role digital services have to play in the bus and coach industry is increasingly clear for all to see, and the last two years have further highlighted the importance of embracing technology in order to keep passengers connected and operators ahead of the competition. Whether that’s communicating the very latest service information by push notification (through Apps), moving to cashless systems through M-ticketing, tracking vehicles in real-time so passengers can better manage dwell times at bus stops, or parents being notified that their child have boarded/alighted a service, then we have a solution which is right for you and your business.
On Monday, I will be presenting our school transport management platform – more commonly known as NextStop® - to conference delegates. This is already being used by some of the country’s leading coach operators, providing a suite of products which support all aspects of the provision of school services. If you aren’t able to join us at the CoachMarque conference to learn more about how we are supporting school transport operators, then please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@risedm.com