CoachScanner launches free tech tools for operators

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With its free software to support operators, CoachScanner says it is the first broker to give something back to the industry

It’s been just under one year since the launch of CoachScanner.com.

Based in London, the tech platform compares coach operator prices from around the country, allowing customers to select the best coach hire for their needs.

CoachScanner said its large network of coach operators allows it to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.

In a survey conducted by CoachScanner in November 2016, coach operators were asked what key features they looked for in a dispatch system. Most operators told the firm they were using either pen and paper diaries or paying ‘through the nose’ for dispatch systems.

With this in mind, CoachScanner launched a suite of free tech tools for coach and minibus operators. The booking system is based on CoachScanner’s understanding of technology and recognising what makes customers book in the way they do, known as CRO (Conversion Rate Optimisation).

The customer enters in journey information which is then passed directly to the coach operators. CoachScanner’s free software includes three components – a dispatch system, a booking engine and a booking widget.

The dispatch system allows operators to send quotes, book-in and send PDF booking confirmations to customers via email.

The dispatch system also allows operators to view their bookings in a convenient and easy to follow online diary by way of a daily, weekly, monthly or list format.

The booking engine allows operators to key in details easily, and includes a tool to calculate the time and distance of a journey, saving operators the time needed to price a booking.

These pre-defined prices or quotes based on a per-journey basis are shared with customers instantly.

A CoachScanner spokesman said: “We’re committed to helping operators get more bookings using our technology.

“We received a lot of support from operators and wanted to give them something back. This is our way of saying thank you.

“There are many more exciting features which we will be launching in the coming months, and we look forward to increasing even more business for our operator partners.”