Q: What is DemandTrans?
DemandTrans
Charlotte Frei, Director of Transit Research
We are a software and technology company that provides services for non-emergency medical transportation and public transportation agencies. Our suite of tools includes various products that can be used to plan and operate services for those organizations. We have automated routing and dispatch software for dynamic situations. We also work with the public sector. They have services that are dynamic and unpredictable, such as call-and-ride zones or ADA paratransit. We offer planning and operational tools to help them be more efficient.
Q: What are you working on right now?
We’re always exploring new partnerships with other technology companies, providers, transportation network companies, and cities.
Our biggest clients are the Nashville MTA (WeGo), the Denver RTD (transit agency), Big Star Transportation in Chicago and SCR. Also, we’ve done a lot of work with MV Transportation (national company that provides contracted transportation services).
Q: For how long has DemandTrans been in existence?
The company itself has been around since 1994, and until 2008, the focus was on databases and teleconferences in the healthcare and other sectors. Its focus changed to transportation in 2008. I’ve been working here for about 18 months.
Q: Why do you work at the Connectory? What are its benefits for you?
I have been working from the Connectory a little less than a year now. But the location is great for us and any clients that come to town. When we were looking at spaces – we noticed that the focus here is on mobility and IoT, and since we are in the mobility space – we liked how there would be like-minded people working around us. They are more attuned to certain issues that we may face. I like how it is so curated here.
Q: Where can anyone interested learn more about DemandTrans?
At Demandtrans.com
Q: Random, fun question: If you could have any superpower – what would it be and why?
I would definitely choose time travel. If you go forward and back you can do all sorts of things! I would go back in time an hour and get out of bed earlier so I can get out of the house on time. Since I work in the transportation industry, I’ve realized that it’s a psychological thing – travel time can be an important cognitive break. It helps people decompress and can serve as an important buffer between home and work activities.
