Public Transit Industry Events

By •July 22, 2019

If you’re looking to start an NEMT or paratransit business, you’ve probably already read about everything from marketing strategies to customer service tips. Getting contracts is an important part of starting and growing your business. Make sure you’re ready with this article, then it’s time to start putting yourself out there.

There are important differences between public and private funding; if you’ve chosen to opt for the public route, one great source of potential relationships (and contracts!) is regional transit conferences.

At these conferences, you can accomplish several things. First, you can get a good idea about the economic and political landscape shaping funding opportunties in your specific area. Perhaps more importantly, these conferences are a great way to get your name out there by meeting face-to-face with decisionmakers in the industry. Finally, conferences are a great place to learn about changes and trends in public transit, safety, and new technologies.

How Should I Prepare for the Conference?

It goes without saying, but a professional appearance is always important. Besides dressing to impress, you should also have professional-looking business cards and a good website.

If you’re looking to expand your business and have already been operating, it’s your job to know the ins and outs of your fleet’s operations. This means you have memorized important statistics like your on-time performance rate, and are ready to answer questions about everything from whether your drivers are certified by a 3rd party to what kind of software you’re using to dispatch rides and what capabilities it has.

What if My Regional Transportation Agency Doesn’t Have a Conference?

Conferences aren’t the only way to get access⁠ to potential business partners and learn more about the industry. Visit your local transit agency’s website to get an idea of when public hearings are happening, find contact information, and sometimes even get information about bidding for available contracts.

It’s said that fortune favors the bold, and starting a new NEMT/paratransit business is no different. Whether it’s at a conference or through an email, don’t be afraid to approach potential transit partners. Simply make sure that you’re ready to be as competitive as possible for contracts by having a href=”truth about switching software”>the right dispatch software</a>, well-trained drivers, and clean, reliable, ADA-compliant vehicles.