Replace aging technology infrastructure relating to network security communications and endpoints

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Golden Empire Transit District $8.15 million on April 20, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to modernize technology infrastructure serving the Bakersfield metropolitan area transit system.

The award funds replacement of aging network security, communications, and endpoint technology; procurement and installation of driver barrier systems across the bus fleet to enhance operator safety and reduce exposure to physical assault and airborne contaminants; replacement of an end-of-life access control system at multiple district locations with current technology and available replacement parts; replacement of the Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system originally procured in 2015 and refreshed in 2021, with improved system management interfaces and alignment with other technological upgrades; and replacement of the end-of-life radio solution with current technologies extending communications and usability over cellular networks. Primary activities include WiFi hotspot replacements, CPU and laptop replacements, IP phone system replacements, core switch replacement, and device management replacement. The district will issue an RFP for driver barrier systems at exterior-facing doors and an accompanying access management system; vendors selected will install systems at locations and train staff on use and repair. An RFP will also be developed for CAD/AVL and radio solutions requiring vendor demonstrations and proof of concepts, with technology testing before award. Installation, training, and implementation campaigns will follow vendor selection.

Performance occurs in California through December 31, 2026. Golden Empire Transit District performs all work directly with no sub-recipients.

Purpose

The purpose is to replace aging technology infrastructure relating to network security communications and endpoints. The purpose of acquiring driver barriers for agency buses is to enhance operator safety and reduce exposure to physical assaults or airborne contaminants. The districts access control system at its various locations is beyond end-of-life and parts to replace IT have become unobtainable. The project would replace existing system with current technology and available replacement parts. The current solution for computer aided dispatch / automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) is past its useful life having been originally procured in 2015 and refreshed in 2021. Replacing that system would keep in line with other technological improvements in those systems along with better features and improved system management interfaces. The current radio solution is end of life (EOL) and will utilize current technologies available to extend communications and usability over cellular networks

Activities

The primary activities to be performed wifi hotspot replacements CPU/laptop replacements IP phone system replacements core switch replacement and device management replacement. The primary activities involved include the procurement delivery and installation of driver barrier systems across the agencys bus fleet.an RFP would be issued for a solution similar in scope to the existing solution at similar access points (exterior facing doors). An access management system would also be part of the solution once awarded the vendor would install at locations and train staff on use and repair.replacement of both CAD/AVL and radio systems is a major undertaking. An RFP will be developed and solicited requiring demonstrations and proof of concepts (POC) from interested vendors. Technology will be tested before award. Once a solution is awarded a campaign for installation training and implementation will begin

Expected outcomes

The 25/26 technology replacement project will bring aging district systems up to date and current with technology standards. Aging computer systems for executive staff training computers and other staff computersthe expected outcomes are improved driver security reduced workplace incidents and strengthened compliance with safety regulations. The district would ensure that access to bathrooms offices and buildings could continue uninterrupted and reliably. This project should serve the district through the remaining time on the current administration/maintenance property.replacing these systems will provide get improved operational efficiency using newer technology and communications systems. IT will enhance safety and security giving get better direct communication among assets and better visibility in daily operations. New CAD/AVL will provide a better passenger experience with accurate real-time information and passenger counting. This implementation will secure a state-of-the-art technical solution that will streamline transit operations and empower the agency with data-driven decision-making capabilities by tying into existing business intelligence and data reporting services.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries are to improve the agency safety by improving technology standards. The intended beneficiaries of this initiative are the bus operators who will work in a safer environment and the riding public who will benefit from improved service reliability and driver retention. The intended beneficiaries are the agencys staff. The intended beneficiaries are the employees and the agency riders.

Subrecipient activities

Get will not have sub-recipient activities