Interview with Armir Harris
Photo courtesy of CharterUp

Amid the complexities of nationwide road congestion and skyrocketing travel fares, one innovative transportation service offers an appealing solution.

CharterUP founder and CEO Armir Harris describes the strategies his company has rolled out in over thirty cities (earning the favor of big-ticket clients such as Apple and Microsoft), shares what’s behind its speedy rise to success, and details upcoming initiatives for the brand.

Tell us about CharterUP:
CharterUP is a group-transportation platform that connects businesses and private groups to a coast-to-coast network of more than six hundred independent bus operators, and a combined fleet of 4,000 buses. We stand alone as the first and only charter-bus marketplace that offers real-time pricing and availability, which means groups are able to reserve a bus in only sixty seconds. They can also easily compare quotes, customer reviews, amenities, and operator profiles. This puts control back where it belongs—with the traveler.

What inspired you to found this business?
I began CharterUP with a single idea in mind: create a model for accountability and transparency that has never existed in the charter-bus world. Growing up in the transportation sector, I witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies plaguing the industry and was determined to raise the service standards. Through technology and a commitment to the customer experience, my team and I are leading CharterUP on a mission to create a better future for group travelers.

CharterUP’s mission statement is to “provide a group transportation experience that’s transparent, safe, and good for the planet.” How are you working to achieve all three of these goals?
In terms of transparency, our online marketplace displays safety ratings, consumer reviews, and detailed vehicle descriptions so customers know exactly what to expect when they make a reservation. We facilitate communication with our drivers, which offers passengers peace of mind and encourages our bus operators to maintain high standards. This increased transparency leads to more positive and enjoyable travel experiences for all.

As for safety, we partner exclusively with bus operators who share our vision for delivering the highest level of service to all passengers. To participate in CharterUP’s marketplace, they must adhere to a strict set of standards regarding timeliness, cleanliness, vehicle quality, and overall customer satisfaction.

We are also proud to make sustainability a priority. For example, we eliminated over one billion miles of carbon emissions with twenty-five million miles driven. We promote group travel to significantly reduce pollution, steering our planet toward a greener tomorrow with more parks and fewer parking lots. Charter buses are the most sustainable form of transportation for group travel, and we are committed to making this option accessible and convenient for everyone.

CharterUP is not just about getting customers from point A to point B; we are about reshaping the transportation landscape for a more sustainable and connected future.

What does CharterUP do that other transportation services don’t?
The CharterUP marketplace bridges the gap between travel planners and bus operators. We aim to make the reservation process as simple as possible and empower customers to book group travel with greater confidence. Unlike other transportation services, CharterUP leverages advanced technology to make our real-time pricing and ride availability possible and offer other perks like live bus tracking.

Would you walk us through the “Charter a bus in 60 seconds” promise?
It demonstrates our commitment to revolutionizing the industry, which was operating in a fragmented and outdated manner. Before CharterUP, sourcing a bus was cumbersome and involved multiple steps that spanned days, if not weeks. It was a system mired in inefficiencies, from endless back-and-forth phone calls negotiating quotes to convoluted contracts and archaic payment methods.

Recognizing these inefficiencies, we designed our platform to be incredibly user-friendly and efficient, enabling customers to bypass the traditional hassles and delays. They can call or visit our website, select their city, input their trip details, receive quotes from available operators, and complete their booking—all in under a minute.

What’s the difference between charter services and shuttle services?
Charter services provide customized transportation solutions, allowing groups to rent a vehicle for specific routes, durations, and schedules. In contrast, shuttle services typically operate on a continuous fixed loop, offering transportation between specific locations, such as corporate campuses, airports, and hotels.

How do you cater transportation to such a wide range of clients?
At CharterUp, we pride ourselves on our versatility and adaptability. Our extensive network of operators enables us to cater to diverse client needs in every major market across the country, whether it’s a school group looking for transportation for field trips or emergency services requiring swift and reliable solutions. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique situations and ensure that we provide the most suitable and efficient transportation options for each one.

What has been the secret to your organization’s fast-growing success?
Our meteoric growth, marked by a 111,165 percent revenue increase between 2020 and 2022, is attributed to our relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative technology, and commitment to addressing customer pain points. We prioritize executing new ideas and maintaining high standards, which has propelled us to the forefront of the industry and even earned us second place on Inc. 5000’s 2023 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies—a collective achievement driven by the strength of our team, customers, and operating partners. I’m proud that we have not only accomplished remarkable financial success but also established a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the transportation industry.

What’s next for CharterUP?
Our vision is to continue reshaping group travel, innovating in the sector to make it accessible nationwide, and leading the market in private group transportation. As public sentiment shifts toward eco-friendly shared travel, we aim to expand our reach as far as possible. Our goal is to have a CharterUP bus at every intersection in America—and, eventually, in new markets around the world.

For more info, visit charterup.com

TAKE ACTION:
Identify common consumer pain points in your industry. How can you exceed your competitors by offering solutions to these shortcomings?