The Hunt for More Affordable Data: A Conversation with TSI

An interview with Transportation Solutions about finding the most accurate and affordable transportation data on the market, and working with Urban SDK.

Transportation Solutions Inc. (TSI) is an engineering consultant based in Washington State that has served the Pacific Northwest for over three decades.

They offer a wide variety of services, including transportation studies, planning, and design; infrastructure and major institutional planning; and environmental documentation.and

When we first engaged with TSI the conversation centered on data. The team at TSI needed something more affordable and accurate than was currently on the market.

As our relationship blossomed, TSI realized that reliable data (at an affordable price point) was only the tip of the iceberg. They had bought into a platform that changes how they operate and present to clients.

Below is a conversation with Transportation Solutions about their journey to purchasing Urban SDK, and subsequent experience with the company as a whole.

[Editor's Note: This interview has been transcribed and edited for clarity]

Urban SDK:  I don't wanna steal too much of your time, but I just have a couple of quick questions. If you don't mind, I'll hop right into those.

Transportation Solutions: Go for it.

USDK: What was your deciding factor on going with Urban SDK?

TS: For one thing, the agreement that we came to with you guys was [more] affordable, or competitive, than competitors like StreetLight Data.

And then it also offered value potentially that they don't offer — the competitors are [solely] big data providers. Whereas you are more of a platform that also includes data.

So I guess it was pricing was competitive and then the value proposition was attractive.

The agreement that we came to with you was [more] affordable, or competitive, than competitors like StreetLight Data

USDK:  Is there anything that you guys hadn't intended on using — something shown during the sales process that you didn't necessarily see a need for — that you have found super valuable?

TS: I think for sure the GIS platform.

I mean, when we approached you guys, we didn't realize that you were providing a whole platform.

Our initial thought was just: we need some data.

So to be able to turn around and use that Studio for showing data to clients, we didn't intend for that, but we like having that.

The competitors are [solely] big data providers ... you are more of a platform that also includes data

USDK:  How does the customer service compare to what you have used in the past — the training, ongoing support documentation, etc.?

TS: Oh yeah, yeah. Customer service. Yep. Above and beyond.

USDK: Thank you.

TS: Yep.

USDK: I appreciate that.

TS: Yeah, we've been very happy.

To use that Studio for showing data to clients ... we like having that

USDK: My last question: Are there any specific projects that you are comfortable sharing with me? Ones that you have used Urban SDK for so far?

TS: Well, you have given us the data and so we're getting our eyes on it. But there's nothing I've over with a fine tooth [comb], so we're not quite there yet.

USDK: Makes sense. We just got you a massive file.

TS: Like 5 million data points.

USDK: That was only last week, so that's totally fair.

Is there anything else that you would wanna share with me about your experience or kind how you plan on using the, the platform?

TS: I think it's going in the right direction. We're happy with the initial look at the data that you provided.

I hope to show that to our client pretty soon, hopefully within the next month — everything keeps getting pushed back, but we're still working on it.

USDK: Well, that's exciting. Is there anything that we can do to help you guys kind of get ready for that showing the data in the next month?

TS: I don't think so, but if we do have any questions I'll reach out to you.

USDK: Perfect. Well, I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to talk with me. Have a nice afternoon!