Start of Partnership
Before officially beginning collaboration in 2015, DataArt had been in discussions with Trainline's management for several years. Dmitry Bagrov, Managing Director of DataArt UK, initially met David Jack, Trainline's CIO at the time, while working at a previous company that was also a client of DataArt. Dmitry and David engaged in numerous conversations about potential cooperation, but Trainline was hesitant to work with a technological partner. After several years of occasional meetings and discussions, David agreed to give the partnership a try. Dmitry Bagrov recalls: “There's no miracle or secret. I just kept talking to David. And when the time was right, Trainline came to us”.
Initial Engagement: 2015-2020
DataArt started the collaboration with a small team, focusing on supporting Trainline's B2B solutions. The initial engagement allowed both teams to build trust and understand each other's operational dynamics. This foundational phase lasted several years, during which we worked on various initiatives, gradually increasing the complexity and scale of the projects we undertook together.
We began taking on more substantial initiatives, including working on the migration to a single distribution platform and other critical elements of Trainline's technology roadmap. As the collaboration progressed, DataArt was positioned as a trusted consulting partner capable of delivering complex projects.
Rapid Growth: 2021-2024
A pivotal moment in the collaboration between DataArt and Trainline occurred in 2021 amidst the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the need to enhance their market share, Trainline made a strategic decision to invest in technology and operations. They reached out to DataArt to supplement their teams with an additional 20 professionals. Our collaboration with Trainline significantly expanded in the next several years, with our team growing to over 40 people by February 2024.
DataArt professionals, including .NET, mobile (iOS and Android), and React Native developers, have been integrated into multiple teams across various departments. Over time, as Trainline recognized the value of our contributions, we were invited to participate in more critical projects, including the development of machine learning systems and real-time data processing initiatives aimed at improving customer experiences.
Overcoming Challenges through Collaboration
Over the course of the partnership, we have encountered various challenges, particularly in managing expectations and staffing. We have made substantial improvements in our recruitment processes, allowing us to respond more quickly to Trainline's needs. Our daily operations involve close communication with Trainline's engineering managers and team leads to ensure that expectations are met on both sides. This collaborative approach has fostered a positive environment where both Trainline and our engineers feel valued and supported.
Conclusion
We continue our partnership strong in the 10th year, with around 50 engineers working across multiple departments. In 2024 alone, the volume of our work increased by 20%, indicating the strong partnership that has developed over the years.
The story of the partnership with Trainline exemplifies how strategic collaboration and a focus on building trust can lead to mutual success. By starting with smaller projects and gradually scaling up, we have positioned ourselves as a trusted partner capable of delivering complex solutions that drive Trainline's business forward.
