WTI

Billings MET Specialized Transit (MST) Technology Request for Proposal

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

To create a request for proposals (RFP) that will allow MET Transit to acquire the appropriate technologies to increase the efficiency of their paratransit/specialized transit system (MST).

Project Abstract

As part of previous work for Billings MET Transit, the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) conducted a review of various technologies that may increase the efficiency of the paratransit/specialized transit system in Billings knows as MET Specialized Transit (MST). The technology reviewed focused on three specific technologies: computer-assisted scheduling and dispatching software (CASD); automatic vehicle location (AVL); and mobile data communications and terminals (MDC/MDT). In order to obtain any new technologies that could increase MST’s efficiency, it was decided that a request for proposal process must be initiated. The proposals resulting from this project will allow MET Transit to select the best CASD, AVL and MDC/MDT technologies based on technical specification, price and other factors as determined by MET Transit and WTI.

Task Descriptions

1. Literature Review
   1. WTI will review RFP’s from MET Transit and other transportation providers, in addition to any other documents considered relevant, synthesizing information gathered.
2. Develop Request for Proposals
   1. Working with MET Transit and the City of Billings, WTI will draft an RFP to be used to obtain the relevant software and hardware. In addition to the technical specifications, the RFP will include general information and selection criteria.
3. Develop Requirements
   1. Based on the literature review and meetings with MET Transit and City of Billings personnel, WTI will develop a list of technical requirements for the software and any hardware to be part of the RFP.
4. RFP Review
   1. MET Transit and the City of Billings will review the draft RFP and provide comments for WTI to include in a final document.
5. Project Documentation
   1. Document all referenced materials and decisions made regarding technical specifications and all relevant information in the RFP.
6. Finalize the RFP
   1. With input from MET Transit and the City of Billings, WTI will create the final RFP. The finalized document will be provided for a final review by MET Transit and the City of Billings.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Advanced Public Transportation Systems, ITS, Public Transit

Partners

MET Transit, City of Billings