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4.0 Procurement
Choosing the operator
4.1 Table 4.1 identifies some key considerations when choosing a suitable transport operator for the DRT scheme. Choice of operator is not independent of service design. For example community transport or taxi operators may only be able to operate efficiently within restricted geographical areas, so tendering processes should seek to widen the choice of operators to avoid inadvertently excluding tenderers who can offer the best value. A review of potential providers should therefore be undertaken as part of the service design and it may be helpful to split the procurement into several smaller contracts.
Table 4.1 - Choosing a Suitable Operator
Operator | Key considerations |
|---|
Bus companies | Particularly suitable for large scale operations e.g.SPT dial-a-bus and ring-and-ride |
Taxi operators | Ideal for small scale schemes and can build from their existing skills providing demand responsive operations. DRT can reduce the market for taxi trips so there should be a general presumption to allow taxi operators to tender for DRT contracts. |
Community transport operators | Where there is a strong local community sector able to tender for contracts then procurement strategies should seek to include the CT sector. Key parameters that need to be considered are: - The recognised need to support the CT sector to build capacity.
- Potentially best value given the lower cost base and overheads.
- Often higher risks of failure in the sector mean that management capability will be a key issue.
- Few CT groups are able to manage large scale DRT operations
|
Public agency | Procurement efficiencies may be possible by linking with existing DRT provision such as social services or patient transport services. |
Options for Travel Despatch Centre ( TDC)
4.2 It is important to remember that the costs of managing the booking of trips and the despatch of vehicles are an integral part of operating DRT services. If people cannot book trips efficiently, then the DRT services will not be successful.
Harnessing Emerging Technology
A trial in Liverpool, allows users to book a taxi by sending a "text" message. The scheme is intended to address a shortage of taxis in the city at certain times of day by arranging shared taxis which leave from fixed pickup points. Instead of queuing for a taxi, individuals are invited to 'text' the service, which automatically assigns them to a shared taxi with a fixed fare per person. Technology is also opening up markets so that booking does not need to be tied to a specific provider. Provider-specific services tend to be vulnerable and less able to cope with peak demand.
4.3 Key considerations in planning the TDC are:
- Simple approaches work very well and vehicle deployment can often best be planned manually by a local manager.
- Wide awareness of the booking centre is essential and where possible a single number should be used.
- Location and staffing are important to ensure DRT operations are networked with other transport services and wider community organisations. The local manager should be skilled in networking and joint working, to help schemes build new markets. Local knowledge of road networks is important for dispatchers of vehicles so that issues such as roadworks and road congestion at particular times of day are considered.
4.4 However new technology is transforming the ability to deliver efficient DRT services on a larger scale. The largest TDC in Scotland is located in Strathclyde Passenger Transport offices. This manages the booking and dispatch of over 6000 trips per week
4.5 TDCs should seek to harness technology already in use. The widespread availability of mobile phones in the community offers great potential for dynamic communication on trips.
4.6 The image of DRT, as well as its future delivery, can be transformed by using mobile phone text messages to book and confirm trips, and across Europe there are various such schemes developing.
4.7 Even for providers and managers TDC technology should be compatible with, or an integral part of, other technology systems to ensure that DRT information, planning and supply can be integrated easily with other transport operation.
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