The adoption of coach-specific technology platform Ferdia is helping Transport Made Simple (TMS) to expand opportunities, the business says.
Ferdia, which launched in the UK in late 2024, aims to bring together all elements of the day-to-day running of a coach business into one integrated, cloud-based system.
TMS, which owns coach operators Flagfinders and Simonds, is one of several businesses to get on board with the system since it arrived in this country.
TMS Managing Director Peter Nathanail says consistency of operation across its 17 depots in East Anglia is critical.
“The industry is evolving quickly, and we needed systems that improve efficiency, visibility and customer service while supporting future growth,” he says. “As we keep scaling through acquisition, we need efficient and intuitive systems which we can roll out quickly as we add new operators to our group.”
“Getting everybody working in the same way when it comes to delivering our ad hoc work is vital,” he adds. “Ferdia was the only system we looked at which we felt was able to do that for us.
“Being cloud-based was an absolute must for us, but we also liked the simplicity, the flexibility in configuring the system, and the support offered during set-up.”
Ferdia’s aim to modernise the coach sector by offering improvements in efficiency across pricing, planning and operations. Among the features is the ability for potential clients to “crowdfund” coach hire.
However, for Mr Nathanail, the industry needs a new generation of people rather than just fresh and innovative technology.
The MD, who began as an operator at the age of just 19, has employed a 17-year-old Business Administrator Apprentice, for whom Ferdia has a central role in his day-to-day work.
New recruit Mason Clarke-Cavanagh, who handles customer service, day trips and holiday bookings, and private hire, says: “I first got introduced to Ferdia within my workplace whilst carrying out my apprenticeship with Simonds. Daniel (Morton – Ferdia UK Country Manager) from Ferdia came in and gave us training for it, and from then on I knew this system was the way forward.”
He adds: “It makes life so much simpler whilst working. Everything you need is on one screen and it’s organised in user-friendly sections. There’s even a help centre with step-by-step instructions on how to use every section.”
Mr Nathanail believes attracting young people into the industry for various roles is crucial to its success.
He says: “There’s progress, but the industry still has more to do to show young people the exciting opportunities available…
“By getting people interested in the transport industry from a young age, we build a pipeline of future talent who can take on managerial roles in the long term.”
