There's already been some seismic changes in the ground transport sector - is there more to come? BTiQ speaks to Mark Long, CEO of Driven to hear how it plans to make its mark.
When were you launched?
Our first journeys began on 1st February 2019 with the foundations of the company established in 2018.
How many people are working for the company?
Today we have a team of more than 10, but we're actively recruiting drivers at the moment with a further 10 scheduled to start through February.
Sum up what your company/product does in one sentence
We're the UK's first all-electric airport shuttle, providing a door-to-door service for business travellers and holidaymakers to most major UK airports.
Why is it unique?
We're the first in the UK and Europe to offer this service. You can either have exclusive use of one of our Tesla cars, or Driven's new booking technology can match your journey with other passengers who live or work near you, flying at a similar time to you. We also fully employ all our team and our drivers are currently all former members of the emergency services with advanced driving skills, putting passengers' safety and comfort first.
What problem does it solve?
Our vision is to take cars to airports off the road, replacing them with zero emission shuttles. Analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data shows over 139 million passengers per year travel by private car, taxi, minicab or Uber to the UK's 11 major airports. This represents 72% of total journeys to airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. The vast majority of these are not in zero emission cars, causing harmful impact to local environments. For a sustainable future, more eco-friendly transportation is required, combining zero emission vehicles as well as ride sharing.
What markets is it available in?
We currently serve most major UK airports including all London airports.
Which companies are using it already?
We already have corporate customers in the technology, engineering, hospitality, consultancy, retail, manufacturing, finance, and leisure sectors and are signing up new companies every week.
What do travel managers/companies like about it?
We've developed a travel management application that enables companies to book trips and track activity and costs. The tool also provides detailed reporting and highlights potential savings. The companies who choose us like the cost benefits of the service, as well as the luxury Tesla vehicles and eco-friendly credentials of travelling by electric car.
Why do travellers like it?
Advance booking, for example at the same time you book your flight, means it can cost from just £9 per person for a 40-minute trip. Customers book their time and day and Driven collects them at their location in a silent, luxury, zero-emission vehicle. We make it feasible for many to now travel in a state-of-the-art luxury electric car.
What are your growth plans?
We've launched with journeys to and from all London airports and are now taking bookings for other major UK airports, which will run first journeys at various stages throughout 2019. In late 2019 and early 2020, we will launch services in USA, Germany, Switzerland, BeNeLux, Spain, the Nordics and Central Europe.