“Real-time” Demand Responsive Passenger Transport (DRT) System - Request for Information

Tender description

Demand Responsive Passenger Transport Management System (Soft Market Testing) Aberdeenshire Council is conducting a market assessment to gain an understanding of the potential level of interest for the provision and support of a management system for demand responsive passenger transport. It is intended that the responses will inform decision-making regarding a suitable procurement approach. This is not a formal tender document. Participation in this market assessment does not prejudice any future procurement. Aberdeenshire Council is investigating whether to implement a Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) project, with an anticipated start date in August 2021, which would involve passengers being able book transport at very short notice and track their vehicle in a similar way to some taxi services. The Council is conducting a market assessment to gain an understanding of the potential level of interest for the provision and support of a DRT management system that would support the potential pilot project. It is intended that the responses will inform decision-making regarding a suitable procurement approach should the project go ahead. It is envisaged that any pilot project would be supported by a new DRT management system including the following functionality: 1. Ability to schedule requested passenger trips onto passenger vehicles in an efficient manner, by “grouping” trips where possible. 2. Ability for passengers to request, book and cancel trips via the internet, e.g., through an App. 3. Ability for passengers to track their allocated vehicle in real-time. 4. Automated messaging to passengers confirming their booking and advising of their estimated pick-up times, anticipated late-running etc. 5. Automated messaging to drivers advising of passenger trip details, e.g., pick-up time, pick-up location, drop-off location. 6. Ability for PTU staff to make bookings on behalf of passengers if required, track vehicles and communicate with drivers. 7. Ability to adjust transport provision to cater for the needs of different passenger types, e.g., allowing home pick-ups and additional boarding time for customers with limited mobility. 8. Ability to allocate appropriate passenger pick-up locations in town/village and rural areas. 9. Ability to incorporate multiple vehicles which may vary in nature, e.g., seating, operating hours. 10. Ability to incorporate any local timetabled bus services and direct passengers to these, rather than a DRT vehicle, if the times and locations of the bus service match the passenger’s transport request. 11. Ability to deal with operational issues related to COVID-19, e.g., restricting seating capacity, building in time for additional vehicle cleaning. 12. Be capable of being scaled up to allow for expansion beyond any initial pilot project. 13. Be able to produce a suite of reports including management indicators and driver manifests. 14. Estimate accurate journey times based on road type and traffic volume. 15. Incorporate regularly updated mapping and address data.