Microtransit Service Summary - The Contractor will offer a turnkey microtransit transportation solution/service that provides: A technological solution that allows customers to schedule and track trips in real-time through a cell phone-based application, and by phone. Vendor’s quotes may also include additional opportunities that allow the customer to schedule rides and receive updates on trips, etc. This solution must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ability to pay for the trip through the app should also be described if available along with an option for the unbanked and underbanked (expected fare up to $3). The City will offer through the City’s Finance office a sales location at City Hall for the purchase of rides using electronic media. Any opportunity for multiple-trip discounting or fare capping should be outlined by the vendor in the proposal. Multiple passengers traveling together and/or under a single booking will pay per person, however, the vendor should outline cost reductions for group trips. Vendors should have a system to accommodate walk-up reservations. Provide vehicles including maintenance, fueling, storing, daily and when necessary deep cleaning, and inspections. Vendors should be able to explain how they will increase the number of vehicles as usage grows. Provide either 100% wheelchair accessible vehicles or submit an operational plan demonstrating that wheelchair users will have comparable waiting times to non-wheelchair users. Drivers and driver training: The city’s contract manager may direct the chosen Contractor to remove and/or replace any key staff on this service at its discretion. Should the Contractor’s project manager leave, the chosen Contractor will communicate with the city to agree on a replacement. Customer service/call taking, registration, and reservations as detailed above available from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the days the service operates with the ability to leave a message concerning reservation cancellations afterhours and on Holidays. Service management. Any other actions or provisions unintentionally not stipulated in this RFQ. Microtransit service will operate Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but the proposer must describe its ability to adjust service (including the number of vehicles in service and the hours and days of service based on an assessment of performance by the city within the bounds of a minimum and maximum cost for the service for the duration of the contract negotiated prior to the launch of the service. The City intends to establish bus stops to serve as collection points for commercial and high- density residential area. The Contractor will assist the City in identifying collection points and locations while the City will be responsible for installation of the bus stops and other amenities. The Contractor will also provide curb-to-curb service, to include assistance from the vehicle to the first doorway, for customers who need it to complete the trip. This requirement is only for persons with disabilities, who will be certified by the City’s Transit Planner. Microtransit Service Specifications - The Contractor will provide the City with microtransit service for trips within the set zone (Exhibit A – Microtransit Service Zone). All microtransit trips must begin and end within the zone. The vendor will provide the technical application used by customers to register, schedule, and track their trips. The ability to pay for the trip through the app is required. The Contractor shall either provide the service with a 100 percent fully accessible fleet of vehicles or submit an ADA Equivalent Service Plan identifying the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lift maintenance plans and operating plans to ensure equivalent service to persons with disabilities. The vehicles shall be Buy America compliant and shall include bike racks for a minimum of two bicycles to accommodate individuals who will use a bike for some first-mile and last-mile connections. The Contractor shall be responsible for microtransit driver hiring and training, as well as customer service call taking, scheduling, and dispatching. The Contractor will be responsible for providing required insurance, reporting, and data, an FTA-compliant drug and alcohol program including an officer and contracts to fulfill the program (49 CFR parts 653, 654, and 655); an FTA-compliant safety program and any other requirements to make the project successful. The service will offer an affordable, reliable, sustainable, and convenient alternative to car ownership for residents. The vendor will offer and encourage shared trips, pairing and grouping members of the general public for optimal efficiency as service use grows. Residents will be able to book trips using a smartphone, by placing a phone call to the Contractor’s dispatch center, or via other mechanisms that should be explained by the Contractor in its proposal. Bookings can be made in real-time or by advanced reservations. The Contractor’s dispatch center shall include Spanish speakers or other means for immediate telephone translation. The system shall use state-of-the-art technology for efficient operation including the grouping of trips and identifying residents requiring special assistance such as with entering and existing vehicles. Drivers will be professional, friendly, courteous, drive safely, and trained to work with various members of society. Vehicles will be clean, comfortable, reliable, and readily identifiable. Future possibilities may include vehicles that utilize zero-emission technology for operation. The Contractor’s software and management systems shall report to the City actual and average wait times, trip times, and on-time performance for the proposed service. All trip data shall be made available to the city on a mutually agreed-upon timetable that should be outlined in the proposal. The City of Brunswick will have full access to, and ownership of all data associated with the operation of this service, including robust reporting capabilities and administrative backend dashboard access.
