Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Tender description

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking to establish an intelligent demand responsive transport (DRT) network framework agreement across the West Midlands area when suitable funding becomes available. A flexible arrangement is required to capture various locations that may come online during the framework which is to be for a period of no longer than 10 years. This will afford the necessary investment in vehicles, staff and technology to take place in order to deliver the various potential DRT schemes. This reflects a step change in the way the WMCA currently procures services within its bus network. An innovative solution is required from operators that needs to be operational towards the end of 2020. The solution needs to be high frequency and demand responsive, capable of integrating with the WMCA's Swift ticketing and operate on-demand plus pre-booked pick up and set down journeys in each area concerned. The framework will consist of two lots. Lot 1: Technology Platform • rider app and/or API, • dispatch engine operating the system (key requirement), • driver app and/or interface. Lot 2: Operating Platform • fleet of vehicles and trained drivers, • fleet maintenance, • fleet operations and control.