Sometimes newcomers connect a part of the travel process up with the business travel industry's booking processes and data management systems.
This week we hear from Mark Walker, co-founder of Transporters.io which is looking to do just that with a start-up focused on inventory content and online booking capability for local transport providers. The firm is competing against Fairfly, ReboundTAG, TripCloud and Data Syrup for Business Travel Show's Disrupt Award.
When did you launch?
April 2016.
How many people are working for the company?
Five.
Sum up what your company/product does in one sentence
It's a global booking network and API connecting businesses that need transport with local transport companies in all corners of the world, providing instant online prices and bookings.
Why is it unique?
By taking a double-sided approach we have brought this previously challenging market within our reach. Our SaaS based transport management software is building a truly impressive supplier network. Building upon this allows us to create the first of its kind GDS platform for this section of the transport industry.
Why is it disruptive?
Currently group transport (e.g. coach/minibus hire) is a highly fragmented, localised market with no central point for instant, global online bookings. We are taking a multi-billion dollar global industry and bringing it into the 21st century, making online bookings quick and simple through the suppliers and partners that travellers already use. Our global booking platform will benefit businesses of all sizes as well as helping to create entire new industries.
What platforms is it available on and can integrate with?
It's a SaaS-based web platform so works on anything with a browser. There is a Wordpress Plugin, Zapier integration and an Android Driver App with GPS tracking.
What markets is it available in?
It's worldwide, primarily covering group ground transport but exploring other niches of the transport industry too.
Which companies are using it already?
SaaS Transport management software has more than 250 signups including operators that have one-50 vehicles plus four nationwide brokers covering three countries. Key customers include Select coach hire, Transport Network Australia and Inspire Transport.
Our booking API is currently in final alpha testing but will be live by the show.
Why do travellers like it?
Travellers are able to book group transport at the same time as other travel inventory, e.g. hotels. We are purely B2B so transparent to travellers who will book through their preferred integrated supplier.
What are your growth plans?
We are already working hard to expand global coverage of transport operators, with users in every continent already. In 2017 our focus also shifts towards the roll-out of our global booking network and connecting this with a wide range of integration partners.
Find disruptors in Launchpad at Business Travel Show 22-23 February. Register here