NIGP 55685: Trolley, Transit, Rubber Tired (Compressed Natural Gas)

NIGP 55685 Trolley, Transit, Rubber Tired (Compressed Natural Gas), an Item code, encompasses demand-response paratransit and fixed-route transit vehicles procured by municipal transit authorities and public mobility services, though recent solicitations show significant substitution of battery-electric and gasoline powertrains alongside or instead of compressed natural gas units. State and local governments under this code buy low-floor, ADA-accessible minibuses and mid-size transit vehicles equipped for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and passenger comfort customizations—interior handrails, storage for walkers and scooters, shelving, and driver compartments—and increasingly pair vehicle purchases with charging infrastructure, particularly portable DC fast-charging trailers capable of servicing electric fleets. Issuing bodies are municipal public-transportation departments and dedicated paratransit operators serving elderly populations and people with disabilities, with the City of Arlington, Texas appearing as a recent buyer.

The City of Arlington, Texas issued RFP 26-0185 on April 29, 2026, seeking up to four replacement vehicles and a portable EV charging solution for Handitran, a demand-response paratransit service, with proposals due May 28, 2026. The procurement required vehicles capable of 130+ miles daily operation over 30,000 annual miles, with electric units needing 120-mile range under load and three-hour charging capability; bidders had to be listed on the Federal Transit Administration's Eligible Transit Vehicle Manufacturer list or submit DBE program information, comply with Buy America rolling-stock requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and provide three references from government or public agencies. A pre-proposal meeting occurred May 7, 2026, at City Hall in Arlington, with question cutoff May 11, addenda by May 14, and contract award anticipated August 2026. The evaluation used a 100-point weighted scale: Technical Compliance (30 points), Experience and Qualifications (15 points), Delivery, Support, and Warranty (15 points), and Pricing (40 points), with pricing evaluated on proportional scoring where the lowest bid received maximum points.