Wheels on the Bus Real Time Data

open

General work description:<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><u>ABOUT RFP S23205:</u></strong> VTA seeks proposals (each, a &ldquo;Proposal&rdquo;) from qualified firms (each, a &ldquo;Proposer&rdquo;) to provide wheels on the bus - real time data services (&ldquo;Services&rdquo;).<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">The Wheels on the Bus &ndash; Real Time Data Project explores whether occupancy information for front-mounted bicycle racks on buses and occupancy information for internal priority seating areas can be provided in real-time to riders.&nbsp; If that information can be provided, transit riders who travel with bicycles or by use of wheelchairs or mobility devices may be able to make informed decisions about whether or when to use transit and avoid being denied boarding because there is no space for their wheels on the bus. A secondary goal is to use time and location-stamped occupancy data to assist VTA in reducing denied boardings and responding to customer concerns in real-time.<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">The project is a planning/prototyping effort and would not implement any systemwide solutions.&nbsp; Rather, it would explore the technological, operational, logistical, policy and cost challenges of implementing a systemwide solution. VTA seeks a consultant that can assess several different products and technologies. Proposers should not submit a proposal that has already identified one preferred product or technology.<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt;">The project is funded by the US Department of Transportation (US DOT) through the SMART Grant Program, which has short deadlines for project deliverables.&nbsp; A report documenting the prototyping experience and all issues, challenges or considerations that arose during the project must be submitted to US DOT by September 15, 2024.&nbsp; The project must be closed out by March 15, 2025.