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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Consent Calendar 5.D.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/22/2024
Agenda Item:
Resolution to release the Request for Quotes for the Transit Automated Voice Announcement System.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
The ADA regulations, as defined in 49 CFR Section 37.167(b), require fixed route systems to announce stops at transfer points with other fixed routes, major intersections, and destinations and intervals along the route that would permit an individual with visual impairments or other disabilities to be oriented to their location.
Currently, drivers make the announcement through a handheld microphone or a foot operated ceiling mounted microphone, depending upon the bus manufacturer. In either case, it requires drivers to focus their attention on the announcement and multitask while driving.
Automated Voice Announcement System helps meet this requirement by automatically making the announcement. A successful program also includes the ability to make interior and exterior announcements beyond minimum ADA requirements, such as the current stop, next stop, route number, or other pre-programmed messages. For the system to work, a set of GPS coordinates defines an area. When the bus enters the area, the system senses it and automatically makes preprogrammed announcements tied to that area.
This system was included in the Mankato Transit System Technology Assessment produced by the National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT).
The ideal service provider will be minimally capable of the following:
The five Mobility Buses dedicated to providing paratransit service are not included in the purchase.
Tentative timeline
Additional council action will select the vendor in September.
Currently, drivers make the announcement through a handheld microphone or a foot operated ceiling mounted microphone, depending upon the bus manufacturer. In either case, it requires drivers to focus their attention on the announcement and multitask while driving.
Automated Voice Announcement System helps meet this requirement by automatically making the announcement. A successful program also includes the ability to make interior and exterior announcements beyond minimum ADA requirements, such as the current stop, next stop, route number, or other pre-programmed messages. For the system to work, a set of GPS coordinates defines an area. When the bus enters the area, the system senses it and automatically makes preprogrammed announcements tied to that area.
This system was included in the Mankato Transit System Technology Assessment produced by the National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT).
The ideal service provider will be minimally capable of the following:
- Automated voice announcement of all stops, transfer points, destinations and intervals along any fixed route, current stop, next stop, route number, or other preprogrammed messages.
- Interior and exterior announcements.
- It is compatible with existing Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) technology.
- Multilingual.
- Interior digital displays with upcoming stops.
- Use of pre-recorded messaging and text to speech messaging capability.
- Vendor installation services.
The five Mobility Buses dedicated to providing paratransit service are not included in the purchase.
Tentative timeline
- Release Request for Quotes – July 23
- Deadline for RFQ submissions – August 21
- Council Action to select vendor – September 9
- Project start – October 1
Additional council action will select the vendor in September.