Welcome to the latest installment of TheStartupists conversations.  This conversation takes place between TheStartupist and Eskat Asfaw of CollegeShuttles.com, a college transportation business.

How did you/your team come up with the CollegeShuttles service?

EA: I was a student at Frostburg state university, which is about 2.5 hours from my house. At that time I was running an event planning business and had to go home every weekend. After weeks of driving back and forth I got the idea that there have to be other students that want to go home and some that want to save gas. I came up with the shuttle for colleges. I registered the idea for a business pitch organized by the Trident initiative, I won first place and the idea gained some interest from the business consultants which were judges. I began asking students if they need and would use such a service, after some feedback we decided to put up some advertisements and see if there is a market for such a service. We put flyers throughout the school at night and the following day the phone started ringing,

CollegeShuttles is a very detailed operation. You are essentially responsible for people from point of pick up to the last piece of their luggage. Describe how you worked through the process of logistical planning.

EA: There is a lot involved with the day to day operations. Dealing with college students, I believe, is a little harder since they change their mind at anytime and need a very simple service. We did our research on what most transportation companies do for luggage and time policy. We gathered information from different sources and made them all convenient for a college student. Our scheduling is very unique; we do our best to not come between the class times. We schedule our departure times after most classes are over. The whole point is to take the students home when they are done with classes.

Judging by your mission statement, customer service is a BIG part of what CollegeShuttles offers. How does your focus on customer services play into your overall business strategy?

EA: We treat our customers how we would like to be treated. Knowing that time is essential to students we have our toll free number, website, email and text messaging options to ask questions and book a ride. Our customer’s time and classes are very important.

As you look toward the future, what road do you see CollegeShuttles taking?

EA: In 5 years I project that college shuttle will be nationwide in over 50 colleges. College Students need a transportation service for themselves. I would love for college shuttle to be a franchise owned by college students. College Shuttle makes life easier for students, parents and the colleges.

The transportation industry, on average, has predominantly low margins – with many transportation businesses/services losing money initially. How does CollegeShuttles plan to combat high transportation costs, yet still remain competitive as an alternative transportation service?

Insurance prices are very high as are gas prices.  We have a huge market and our service is needed. Our prices are very competitive and most importantly our service is very convenient. We pick college students up from their DORMS. College students used to have to carry luggage get on a taxi go to a bus or train station and go to a location far from their homes. We Pick them up from their Dorms drop them to very convenient location near well known landmarks and we drop them back to their dorms.

How can people get involved with CollegeShuttles?

EA: Our website is collegeshuttles.com

Anyone seeking more information can call 1-877-789-1947 or pickmeup@collegeshuttles.com

I really like talking with students and parents about the business so they can call me directly 301 755 3426 or email at eskatasfaw@collegeshuttles.com

The business has a great potential and investors are very welcome

They can reach me at directly eskatasfaw@gmail.com