Bus Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) and Traffic Light Priority (TLP)

Description

Lancashire is committed to promoting bus travel across the County. It is currently developing a technology-based approach for network management including the deployment of intelligent bus priority at key signalised junctions and the provision of a Real Time Passenger Information(RTPI) system to support local bus services and improve the customer experience. A new RTPI system is a key component of the Lancashire Future Mobility Platform and was central to the Bus Theme in the recent East Lancashire LUF Application, as well as supporting the Council's broader policies for promoting sustainable transport, digitalisation, and carbon reduction. The Council is seeking to appoint an RTPI system provider to enable the countywide processing and publishing of bus arrival times and predictions to digital displays at bus stops, interchanges, and bus stations and via web-based information services and applications. Audio facilities providing 'talking bus stops' for visually impaired people will also be included in the specification. The successful system provider will be responsible for the supply, installation, and maintenance of a central RTPI system, on street RTPI displays and associated communications for the course of the contract. In addition, the Council requires the system provider to design, supply, install and maintain a Traffic Light Priority system for buses at signalised junctions and for bus services as specified by the Council. This will require linking to the current Lancashire Urban Traffic Control system provided by Yunex Limited. Lot 1: Open Tender Procedure compliant with the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The Contract will be awarded for an initial period of four-years commencing on the successful LUF funding application. Two one-year options are available to extend this agreement. The contract term will enable the Council to fulfil its commitments under the East Lancashire LUF, the BSIP and TCF programmes and allow for the rollout of RTPI services, displays and Traffic Light Priority (TLP) in line with future investment approvals, schemes, and initiatives. A procurement exercise will be conducted with the award of the whole contract potential being subject to receipt of future funding approval. The grant application (Levelling Up Fund) will be submitted in June 2024 for confirmation by October 2024. The Council intends to demonstrate its commitment to the programme of works and thus strengthen its funding bid by seeking Cabinet's approval to proceed with the procurement exercise. Tenderers will be advised that award of the contract is contingent on the Council being successful in its bid for government funding. Additional information: Lancashire's Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and Bus Service Improvement Program (BSIP) will fund the provision of a Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) System. This incorporates next bus information displays on street, a back-office system, and a service to provide bus priority at traffic signal junctions. The initial roll out being focused in East Lancashire. The minimum contract value is estimated to be £3m over a potential 6-year period, with a maximum of £6m as funding streams arise in the future, for example developer contributions, via Section 106/278 agreements. The LUF funding element is contingent on the Council submitting a successful full business case to the Department of Transport later this year. This contract will allow Blackpool Unitary Council and Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Council to use this contract to purchase their own RTPI infrastructure and the costings are reflected in the potential highest total value. The ongoing maintenance and service will be covered by the above grant funding during the initial term of the contract.