Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
West of England Combined Authority
3 Rivergate, Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6ER
Contact
Mr Andrew Brentley
andrew.brentley@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1173321510
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKK11 - Bristol, City of
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.westofengland-ca.org.uk/
Buyer's address
https://www.westofengland-ca.org.uk/
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Dynamic Demanding Responsive Transport (DDRT) Market Engagement
Reference number
DN599875
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Future Transport Zone (FTZ) is a £28m innovation programme aiming to improve the integration of public transport across the West of England. This notice specifically focusses on the Dynamic, Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) project.
Our vision for DDRT is to offer an alternative additional public transport mode, especially in areas where traditional modes do not currently present as a viable option or service. It is our intention to procure a partner to deliver a complete bespoke DDRT solution and trial within our region. The trial is expected to operate within the Northern Arc, Avonmouth or Southmead areas, with the potential of adding other zones across the course of the trial.
For Completion by 1400 on 14/03/2022
To support our understanding prior to the procurement exercise please complete our short PIN survey - https://forms.office.com/r/33mBXbRmER
Note that suppliers are not required to participate in the market engagement in order to respond to respond to the tender. WECA would encourage participation such that we can learn what the market is able to offer, and that you can be best informed about our intentions regarding DDRT.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £750,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
- 34121000 - Buses and coaches
- 34121100 - Public-service buses
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK11 - Bristol, City of
- UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Future Transport Zone (FTZ) is a £28m innovation programme aiming to improve the integration of public transport across the West of England. This notice specifically focusses on the Dynamic, Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) project.
Our vision for DDRT is to offer an alternative additional public transport mode, especially in areas where traditional modes do not currently present as a viable option or service. It is our intention to procure a partner to deliver a complete bespoke DDRT solution and trial within our region. The trial is expected to operate within the Northern Arc, Avonmouth or Southmead areas, with the potential of adding other zones across the course of the trial.
What we expect from our DDRT Service:
A single supplier to run our DDRT trial – likely made up of a partnership between a vehicle operator and technology provider
A small to medium sized fleet which can operate within one of the specified areas
Fleet to be electric or carbon neutral
An innovative DDRT technology platform with a proven track record
An inclusive service offering which allows our residents and visitors to travel with ease
An app-based offering which allows for pre-booked and on-demand journeys
Allows customers to book via an app/ website/ call centre
Clear and simple platform for both customers and drivers
Connection to train stations, bus services and our Mobility Hubs
Integration with our MaaS platform
Integration with our Data Hub project
Co-development, collaboration and data sharing throughout the trial.
Potential to expand to a second trial zone as part of the commission.
The main objectives are:
to provide efficient public transport alternatives where conventional bus and rail services cannot offer viable solutions.
to connect areas of low skill, high unemployment, and low car ownership, with areas of high employment.
to maximise the value of regional transport investments by increasing the catchment area of public transport through first/last mile connectivity.
to improve congestion and air quality by reducing the reliance on single-occupancy car journeys and producing a modal shift, particularly in areas where public transport is not an option.
to improve access directly to places of employment and therefore accelerate economic growth and productivity, particularly in areas of deprivation.
Technical Expectations
A DDRT routing and booking system which has a user platform, driver platform, and back office with customer support. Should include:
Journey planner
Booking and payment functions
Digital ticketing and ticket validation
User profile and driver accounts
Safety and security features
Accessibility, family and luggage features
Loyalty and rewards
Push notifications/ live updates
Hardware compatibility
Integrate with MaaS, traditional bus services and rail timetables
The DDRT technology should involve:
Routing algorithms
Compliant with bus operating guidelines
Live updates and on demand booking
Vehicle Expectations
The DDRT fleet should be:
Medium sized (6-10 vehicles)
Electric or carbon neutral
Wheelchair accessible
Compliant with bus and vehicle regulations and standards
Consistently branded
For Completion by 1400 on 14/03/2022
To support our understanding prior to the procurement exercise please complete our short PIN survey - https://forms.office.com/r/33mBXbRmER
Note that suppliers are not required to participate in the market engagement in order to respond to respond to the tender. WECA would encourage participation such that we can learn what the market is able to offer, and that you can be best informed about our intentions regarding DDRT.
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £750,000
two.2.14) Additional information
For Completion by 1400 on 14/03/2022
To support our understanding prior to the procurement exercise please complete our short PIN survey
https://forms.office.com/r/33mBXbRmER
Note that suppliers are not required to participate in the market engagement in order to respond to respond to the tender. WECA would encourage participation such that we can learn what the market is able to offer, and that you can be best informed about our intentions regarding DDRT.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
4 April 2022
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
For Completion by 1400 on 14/03/2022
To support our understanding prior to the procurement exercise please complete our short PIN survey
https://forms.office.com/r/33mBXbRmER
Note that suppliers are not required to participate in the market engagement in order to respond to respond to the tender. WECA would encourage participation such that we can learn what the market is able to offer, and that you can be best informed about our intentions regarding DDRT.