Demand Responsive Transport Service for the City of Derby

Tender description

In response to the National Bus Strategy launched by the government in March 2021, Derby City Council submitted a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which included a proposal to pilot Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) to serve part of the city, which, if successful would be rolled out to other areas of the city. The project is a key deliverable in the Governments ambition to grow bus usage and to deliver better bus services. The project will also contribute towards National and Local Decarbonising Plans to achieve zero emissions fleet vehicles. The main aim of the DRT service is to support the local bus network by offering more service flexibility to parts of the city not directly served by the high frequency services available on the main corridors. Another key aim will be to offer seamless journey opportunities linking major destinations (eg hospital, major employers) with areas that are currently not directly accessible or require a number of connections. The service will be procured through two separate lots - one covering the service operation and the other technological provision. The project delivery target for the service commencing is end of March 2023 with a potential extension to the service commencing end of March 2024. This is subject to an agreement from the awarding grant authority, The Department for Transport. Should the Council decide to progress with a formal procurement process a Contract Notice will be published. Following publication of the Contract Notice, the Invitation to tender documents will be available via https://www.eastmidstenders.org. Please note that the date given at II.3. Estimated date of publication of contract notice is for indicative purposes only. Lot 1: DRT Transport Operator The service must be available Monday to Saturday to facilitate commuters, workers and leisure users. The exact hours of operation will be agreed with the successful operating partner. Some extended hours may be required to facilitate shift working at the hospital and employment sites in the area. The intention is the vehicles will be purchased and provided by the City Council and will remain the property of the authority. Some or all of the vehicles may be battery electric. The operator will be responsible for providing and paying for all fuel, tyres and maintenance requirements during the period of the operating contract. Lot 2: DRT Technology Provider The technology provider will be required to provide a web platform and mobile app for the service, which should include four distinct user applications: 1) Passenger mobile application 2) Web-based journey planning and booking application 3) Driver mobile application 4) Web-based Operational Management, Administration and Reporting system (back-office) for operators and the Local Authority The System will be used by four main user groups: 1) Passengers for journey planning, trip booking and travelling 2) Operators for service management and booking taking via phone 3) Drivers for undertaking scheduled trips 4) Derby City Council for service monitoring