Project Summary
RideTandem proposes to develop an initial prototype of a breakthrough Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to revolutionise the role played by SME operators in providing low carbon transport services. Through predictive analysis and smart alerts, this can dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of services provided by SME operators without adding large numbers of staff to their overheads. In doing so, it will increase the viable range of operators who could provide eco-friendly commuting routes to work and educational institutions, especially in areas where traditional public transport isn’t viable.
Project Achievements
The development of our prototype involved several key stages: (1) Exploratory Data Analysis and Quality Assessment: identifying trends and assessing gaps in our internal historical data to ensure reliable inputs for the model; (2) Data Integration: Data pipelines were built to integrate internal and external sources for timely, relevant predictions; (3) Literature Review and Model Development: We developed a model combining predictive analytics with real-time updates, guided by a comprehensive literature review; (4) Prototype Development and Testing: We created a back-end for processing live data and an interactive front-end for real-time insights. The prototype was tested in a live environment to refine its functionality based on feedback from our operations team.
Conclusions
The project successfully achieved its primary objective of developing a prototype for a smart platform that prioritises shuttle journeys and provides real-time insights to operators. The project advanced from TRL 2 to TRL 4, with a small-scale prototype tested internally in a live environment by our operation team under real-world conditions, with further assessments underway to refine performance and quantity impact on operational efficiency. The anticipated impacts of a commercially deployed solution include economic growth from expanded commuting routes, environmental benefits from reduced car usage and lower emissions, and social impact by providing affordable transport in underserved areas, promoting equity and inclusion for communities affected by transport poverty.
Next Steps
Key next steps to advance from our current stage to full commercialisation include: (1) Full Integration of our prototype’s features into our existing commercial product and further internal piloting; (2) Further research-Informed optimisation, including model refinement and ongoing performance monitoring; (3) External piloting with transport operator partners – spinning off our smart platform as a standalone SaaS solution and getting new insights to further validate the platform’s effectiveness. (4) Commercialisation: Following successful external testing, we will launch the platform to a broader market of local SME operators. This phase will focus on scaling the product and ensuring a smooth rollout, leveraging lessons learned from both internal and external testing to maximise adoption and impact.
