Coach & minibus booking service with quote system

Online booking platform & Booking software development
Industry
The team:
9 cross-functional experts
Back end:
Ruby
AWS
Sidekiq
Redis
Postgres
Front end:
Integrations:
Google Autocomplete
Timeline
2,5+ years
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About the client

Driven Connect aimed to create an efficient online platform to connect organizations with local coaches and minibus carriers across the UK. They needed a solution to streamline the quote request and booking process while supporting local transport businesses.

Project’s backstory

Our collaboration began in March 2022. The client had user stories and product vision, but they needed to clarify flows and system requirements. The COAX team started from scratch and, in 5 months, delivered the MVP with basic booking features and three user roles. 

The solution didn't attract active users, so the client had to rethink its business logic. After engaging with investors and potential customers, they reached out to us with new requirements. 

The concept expanded beyond B2B functionality and now covered B2C flows to engage more users. Based on these insights, our team refined the user roles and logic, improved the booking process, and prepared for the launch. 

Post-launch, we transitioned to weekly sprints, each ending in a new release. This flexible, iterative approach led us to develop a robust platform that meets the dynamic needs of the transport booking sector.

booking management system

Customized UI & data access

Initially, we implemented three user roles. Each role has a tailored interface, set of functionalities, and access levels.

Buyers, typically organizations like companies or universities, place transport orders.
Operators, transport company representatives, respond to these orders and provide services.
Admins, including DrivenConnect staff and select clients, have all-system access and manage the platform.

Recently, we introduced the Individual role, which allows private users to place one-off transport orders.

transport booking system
transport booking software

Key features

Quote request system

Buyers avoid carrier lock-in while getting competitive prices with the quote system. They can choose from the two subscription plans.

quote request system

User roles

Different interfaces and functionalities for Organizations and Individual Buyers, Operator, and Admin roles.

user roles

Route planning

Integration with Google mapping services for accurate journey planning and distance calculation.

route planning

Emissions tracking

Innovative module helps calculate emissions, generate offset reports, and pay carbon tax within the app.

emissions tracking system

Payments and billing

Built-in Stripe gateway supports various payment methods, while the billing module keeps all billing data in one place.

online transport booking system

Vehicle management

Operators keep fleet information at hand, with the ability to manage organization settings and vehicle suppliers according to their needs.

vehicle management

Analytics and reporting

Data visualization within the dashboard helps track performance and make informed decisions.

transport booking app

Document storage

Secure storage for important documents related to bookings and operations.

mini bus booking

Challenges & solutions

  • Changing requirements. We adopted an Agile methodology with weekly sprints to quickly adapt to evolving client needs and user feedback. This became particularly crucial after the initial live release when real user feedback began shaping feature priorities.
  • Balancing user needs. We created distinct interfaces and feature sets for different user roles for an intuitive experience. The challenge intensified as we continuously adjusted priorities based on user requests.
  • Scalability. We utilized AWS infrastructure to ensure the platform can handle a growing user base and transaction volume.
  • Payment integration. Implementing a robust payment system was a significant challenge, requiring extra caution and attention to detail due to its financial nature.
  • Rapid iteration post-launch. Immediately following the live release without subscriptions or payments, we had to quickly implement new features and adjust existing ones based on user feedback, always shifting priorities to meet user demands.
  • Complex calculations. We implemented sophisticated algorithms for emissions tracking, route planning, and tender evaluations. This included integrating with Google services for accurate distance calculations and tax estimations.
minibus hire
hire minibus

Carbon emissions reporting

The emissions module helps buyers track and reduce their environmental impact. It shows how much pollution each vehicle produces for different routes. Companies can generate comprehensive reports, offset emissions through trusted partners, and view carbon-efficient options at the quote level.

To enable real-time data synchronization, our team integrated Google services. When carriers build their fleet and add vehicles, they provide detailed specifications such as vehicle type, engine size, fuel type, and fuel efficiency metrics like miles per gallon. With this information, the system calculates key performance indicators, including emissions and fuel consumption.

On top of that, the system handles Carbon Emissions Tax payments, ensuring compliance with UK legislation.

сarbon emissions reporting

Value delivered by COAX

For buyers:

  • An easy-to-use platform for requesting quotes from multiple transport carriers
  • Access to a wide range of vehicles suitable for various group sizes
  • Transparent pricing and comparison of options
  • Emissions tracking and reporting capabilities

For transport companies:

  • Comprehensive management system for handling quotes, bookings, and fleet information
  • Ability to pay yearly vehicle emission taxes directly through the platform
  • Analytics tools for data-driven decision making
  • Subscription-based access to advanced features
minibus hire london

Digital transformation for the UK transport industry

Driven Connect transformed coach and minibus hire in the UK. It simplifies operations for transport providers, offers an intuitive booking experience for buyers, and better price for value with a tender system.

When buyers place a request, it's distributed to relevant operators who submit their bids and compete for the contract. As a result, buyers can choose the most suitable options on the market. 400+ coach and minibus operators have already joined the platform, and the numbers are growing.

bus booking online

Why partner with COAX?

Our main focus is providing successful and exceptional services. We believe in long-term relationships that bring value to both businesses.

We adapt

We adapt to our client’s’ business needs, constantly searching for new ways to fulfil their requirements

Shorter time to go-live

Dedicated and authorized teams deliver on the promised schedule.

Quality services

Our quality strategy is aimed to prevent defects, not just detect them.

Transparency

Our goal is to be a trustworthy partner, operating with honesty and transparency for long-term value

Data-driven decisions

We rely product analytics to make the right data-driven decisions.

Support for full lifecycle

Our team supports you from the stage of ideation, to production

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What we’ll do next?
1

We will contact you within 24 hours

2

We'll clarify your expectations, business objectives, and project requirements

3

We'll develop and accept a proposal

4

Following that, our partnership can begin