Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) Service

Tender description

Leicestershire County Council (the Authority) requires a transport operator to operate a new demand responsive transport (DRT) service. The service will be funded by the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund, which aims to trial on-demand bus services in rural or suburban areas. The objectives of the DRT service, as set out by the Department for Transport (DfT) are to: • Improve access to employment, education, healthcare and other services • Enable greater social inclusion and reduce isolation • Provide a public transport offer that attracts a diverse customer base • Support the Government’s commitments to tackling air pollution and reducing carbon emissions by reducing reliance on private vehicles Lot 1: Bus Operator Leicestershire County Council (the Authority) requires a transport operator to operate a new demand responsive transport (DRT) service. The service will be funded by the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund, which aims to trial on-demand bus services in rural or suburban areas. The objectives of the DRT service, as set out by the Department for Transport (DfT) are to: • Improve access to employment, education, healthcare and other services • Enable greater social inclusion and reduce isolation • Provide a public transport offer that attracts a diverse customer base • Support the Government’s commitments to tackling air pollution and reducing carbon emissions by reducing reliance on private vehicles Lot 2: Technology Provider Under Lot 2, the Authority requires a technology supplier (‘Supplier’) to provide and operate the software to run a full ‘corner to corner’ DRT service within the parameters laid out by the Authority. A call centre operation is also required to handle telephone bookings, record and schedule DRT trips. The successful supplier will be required to work in partnership with a suitable transport operator, which will be procured by the Authority (see Lot 1), to operate the transport service. The service will use an app provided and operated by the successful supplier as well as web and phone options to interface with the same system for passengers. Journeys will be booked at the time of travel as well as in advance. The transport operator will supply all vehicles and drivers. The objectives for the DRT service, as set out by the Department for Transport (DfT), are to: • Improve access to employment, education, healthcare and other services • Enable greater social inclusion and reduce isolation • Provide a public transport offer that attracts a diverse passenger base • Support the Government’s commitments to tackling air pollution and reducing carbon emissions by reducing reliance on private vehicles