The City of Abilene has sought proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct consulting services for strategic evaluation of fixed-route to microtransit system conversion in Abilene City, Texas, USA.

The consulting firm will conduct a thorough assessment to explore the potential shift to a microtransit system in the City. The assessment will cover various aspects, including:

1. Detailed Market Analysis: Conduct an in-depth study to understand the demand for micro-transit services, considering demographic studies, commuter patterns, peak travel times, and identifying areas with limited access to current transit services.

2. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Perform a comprehensive analysis comparing the existing fixed-route system with the potential microtransit system, considering operational costs, potential revenue streams, and long-term financial sustainability.

3. Technology and Infrastructure Assessment: Evaluate the current technology platform, Spare, to determine the expandability necessary and the infrastructure required for a comprehensive microtransit system, including software, vehicle tracking, customer interface, payment systems, and physical infrastructure for hubs or stops.

4. Vehicle Type Evaluation: Assess suitable vehicle types for microtransit in the city, considering factors like size, accessibility, and environmental impact.

5. Service Design Models: Develop tailored service design models considering on-demand vs. fixed-schedule services, dedicated vs. shared microtransit vehicles, and integration with other modes of transportation.

6. Case Study Analysis of Previous Conversions: Provide comprehensive case studies of previous cities transitioning to microtransit, highlighting outcomes, challenges, and success factors.

7. Financial Modeling and Funding Opportunities: Develop detailed financial models exploring various funding sources for microtransit scenarios, such as government grants, partnerships, advertising revenue, and fare structures.

8. Impact on Current Transit Workforce: Evaluate the impact on the current transit workforce, addressing training needs, potential job role changes, and strategies for workforce transition or expansion.

9. Accessibility and Inclusivity Evaluation: Ensure the proposed microtransit system is accessible and inclusive, addressing the needs of all community members, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to smartphones or bank accounts.

10. Regulatory Compliance and Policy Recommendations: Assess regulatory requirements and recommend policy changes needed for microtransit implementation, considering local, state, and federal regulations, safety standards, and coordination with existing transportation policies.

11. Environmental Impact Analysis: Evaluate the environmental impact, including potential reductions in carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and overall improvement in urban mobility.

12. Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Create a comprehensive plan for engaging stakeholders, including public workshops, focus groups, surveys, and in-person/virtual meetings to address diverse community needs.

13. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies: Identify potential risks associated with microtransit implementation and propose strategies for operational, financial, and reputational risk mitigation.

14. Long-Term Sustainability Plan: Develop a plan for the long-term sustainability of the microtransit system, including ongoing evaluation, adaptation, future expansions, enhancements, and continuous improvement processes.

15. Performance Metrics and Evaluation Framework: Establish clear performance metrics and an evaluation framework to assess post-implementation success, covering ridership, customer satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

The deadline for interested firms to submit their proposals to the City is January 26, 2024. Additional details regarding this tender can be accessed through our Business Opportunity page here.