MET Transit recently advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide MET with an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System for 25 fixed route buses and one Paratransit van. The system allows each vehicle to be easily tracked as it performs the fixed routes or other operations throughout the City. This program will assist in further optimizing MET Transit's fixed route system by providing extended routing and travel information and other administrative tools. It will also provide a significant boost in customer convenience by allowing passengers to track bus locations in real time on their smartphones or other computing devices.

The RFP was advertised in the Yellowstone County News on April 13, 20 and 27, 2018, and notices were posted on the City's Website, MET Transit's Webpage, and MET Transit's Facebook page.  Seven proposals were received on May 4, 2018. 

A RFP Selection Committee evaluated and ranked the proposals based on each firm's ability to meet the specifications and parameters identified in the RFP.  The Committee voted unanimously to select DoubleMAP as the vendor to provide the system.

The RFP process outlined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was utilized for the selection process.

 

City Council may:

• Approve the Selection Committee's recommendation to accept the proposal from DoubleMAP; or
• Disapprove the Selection Committee's recommendation to accept the proposal from DoubleMAP.

The proposed cost of this AVL project is $51,900 for the upfront Capital cost and an annual maintenance cost of $7,650 for 3 years. Funds for this project are available in MET Transit's budget.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the proposal from DoubleMAP for MET Transit's AVL project and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.