UAlbany Transit RFI.pdf

RFI 92526CF Transit Services

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Comprehensive Mobility Services

Fixed-Route, On-Demand, and Special Event Transit Operations

Issue Date: September 2026 Anticipated Service Term: July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2032

University at Albany Procurement Department

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for planning and information-gathering purposes. The University at Albany reserves the right to issue a future solicitation based on information received through this RFI.

Section 2: Scope of Services

The University at Albany, State University of New York, seeks information from qualified transit service vendors related to delivery of a fully integrated mobility system that incorporates on-demand and fixed-route transportation services. In addition to daily academic-year and break-period operations, The University is seeking information regarding respondents' experience and capabilities providing supplemental transit support for major university events.

The University at Albany is seeking information regarding transportation vehicles, operators, technology systems, and operational support.

For the purposes of this RFI, fixed-route service is defined as a transportation system in which buses operate along predetermined routes with established stops, published schedules, and consistent, repeatable service patterns designed to reliably transport The University at Albany’s community using predictable and publicly accessible timetables.

On-demand service is defined as a flexible, real-time transportation model in which users request rides through digital platforms, such as mobile applications or web-based systems, enabling trip requests when and where they are needed within the designated service area.

Special-event service is defined as supplemental transportation support provided for major University at Albany events that generate increased mobility demand or require tailored transit solutions, including but not limited to Commencement, Athletic Games, Open House programs, University Tours, VIP visits, and other significant institutional activities, and may involve additional vehicles, expanded operating hours, temporary shuttle loops, staging plans, adjusted routing, or dedicated guest transport.

The University at Albany currently operates a comprehensive campus transit program that includes fixed-route and on-demand transportation throughout the academic year and break periods, as well as supplemental services for major University at Albany events. These include Commencement, Athletic Games, Open House programs, University Tours, VIP visits, and other institutionally significant activities that require additional coordination and service capacity.

The following outlines the established service model:

• A) Fixed‑route service: Fixed-route bus service operates on consistent intervals during the academic year, which spans approximately 32 weeks annually mid-August through mid-December and mid-January through mid-May.

The current fixed-route service hours are as follows:

o Weekday Service (Monday - Friday): 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., every 20-25 minutes o Weekend Service (Saturday - Sunday): 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., every 25 minutes

• B) On-Demand Service: On-demand transportation service is provided during break periods, which spans approximately 20 weeks annually mid-May through mid-August and mid-December through mid-January.

Currently, the on-demand service hours are:

o Weekday Service (Monday - Friday): 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

o Weekend Service: No service currently provided.

• C) Special Event Service: In addition to daily operations, The University at Albany is seeking information regarding respondents' experience and capabilities in providing supplemental transit support for major University at Albany events.

• D) These events include, but are not limited to, Commencement, Athletic Games, Open House programs, Section 1: Overview

Section 3: Information Requested from Respondents

University at Albany Tours, VIP visits, and other institutionally significant activities. Such events routinely generate increased campus traffic and mobility needs, requiring coordinated planning, supplemental service capacity, and operational flexibility to ensure safe, efficient movement of large numbers of visitors and campus community members.

E) Respondents are requested to describe how their organizations typically collaborate with client stakeholders when planning and supporting special event transportation services. This coordination may involve additional staffing, temporary route modifications, shuttle loops, or specialized transportation for visiting guests or dignitaries.

The ability to support these events reliably and professionally is essential to maintaining positive campus experiences, promoting institutional reputation, and ensuring seamless integration with broader campus operations.

The University at Albany seeks information regarding how such services are typically planned, coordinated, and delivered.

The University at Albany is seeking information regarding vendor capabilities, experience, operating practices, available technologies, and industry trends relevant to campus mobility services. Respondents are not being asked to submit proposals, pricing commitments, guaranteed staffing models, or specific service solutions for the University at Albany. Information provided in response to this RFI will be used solely for planning, market research, and development of any future procurement strategy.

Section 3.1. Vendor Profile & Experience

a. Describe your organization and relevant experience in providing transit services.

b. Provide examples of comparable higher education clients.

c. Describe your experience operating integrated fixed route and on-demand systems.

d. Describe unique capabilities, experience, or service offerings that distinguish your organization within the higher education transit marketplace.

Section 3.2. Service Delivery & Operations

a. Describe your organization's operating model and experience supporting comparable university transit programs.

b. Provide information regarding how your organization currently manages fixed route and on-demand services.

c. Describe your performance management approach and service metrics.

d. Describe the practices and procedures your organization utilizes to address service disruptions

Section 3.3 Fleet Management & Sustainability

a. Describe the fleet types, configurations, and technologies your organization commonly utilizes for comparable services.

b. Explain your maintenance and fleet replacement strategy.

c. Describe your approach to fleet modernization and zero-emission vehicles.

d. Provide information regarding your organization's experience with vehicle retirement, replacement, or disposition programs.

Section 3.4. Technology Solutions

a. Describe your technology platform.

b. Explain your real-time tracking and passenger information capabilities.

c. Describe rider-facing mobile applications and customer tools.

d. Describe reporting, analytics, and system integration capabilities.

Section 3.5. Staffing & Training

a. Describe your staffing model.

b. Explain recruitment and retention strategies.

c. Describe operator training programs.

d. Describe practices your organization utilizes to address staffing shortages and service continuity challenges.

Section 3.6. Safety, Risk & Compliance

Section 4: RFI University Conditions

a. Describe your safety management program.

b. Provide information regarding regulatory compliance and ADA compliance.

c. Explain accident investigation and incident response procedures.

d. Describe emergency preparedness and business continuity capabilities.

Section 3.7. Transition & Implementation

a. Describe typical transition approaches and timelines the University at Albany should consider for an anticipated

July 1, 2027, service start date.

b. Provide information regarding typical transition and implementation timelines for comparable engagements.

c. Describe how your organization typically coordinates with stakeholders during service transitions.

d. Identify common transition risks encountered in similar engagements and approaches used to mitigate those risks.

Section 3.8. Special Event Transportation

a. Describe your experience supporting large-scale events.

b. Describe your organization's experience developing transportation plans for special events.

c. Provide information regarding surge-capacity resources utilized to support major events.

d. Describe how your organization typically manages real-time operational adjustments during special events.

Section 3.9. Customer Service & Partnership

a. Describe your customer service model.

b. Explain how customer satisfaction is measured.

c. Describe your account management and communication structure.

d. Provide examples of service improvements implemented for other clients.

Section 3.10. Cost & Strategic Considerations (Informational)

a. Describe typical contract structures utilized by your organization.

b. Provide information regarding industry practices that may improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

c. Identify potential funding, grant, or sustainability opportunities.

d. Provide information on pricing structure in comparable contracts

• Hourly rate-based pricing

• Fixed-fee pricing

• Monthly or recurring fee arrangements

• Hybrid pricing models, if applicable

*** Please identify any information, data, or documentation that would assist your organization in responding to a future solicitation.***

The University at Albany will not be liable for any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and production of a response or the costs of any services performed. All responses and materials submitted in conjunction with this request shall become the property of the University at Albany for use as deemed appropriate, respecting all copyrights, trade secrets and any other proprietary information.

By submitting a response, the vendor agrees that s/he will not make any claims for or have the right to damages because of any misinterpretation or lack of information on the part of the University at Albany.

The vendor also understands that his/her response will not be considered a proposal and will not result in a contractual relationship with the University at Albany.

Information obtained through this RFI may be used by the University at Albany to develop specifications, scope elements, evaluation criteria, and procurement strategies for a potential future solicitation. Participation in this

Section 5: Response Information

RFI is voluntary and will not be considered in the evaluation of any future procurement.

No Award Notice: This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes. Responses will not be evaluated for award, and no contract, purchase order, or other procurement commitment will result directly from this RFI. The University reserves the right to use the information received to inform future procurement strategies and potential solicitations.

All questions regarding technical aspects of this request should be directed by email to Colin Fadden via email to: cfadden@albany.edu by cob on 10/14/26

Responses to this RFI should be delivered by 2:30 pm EST on 10/22/26 via email to:

cfadden@albany.edu

***Please include "RFI 92526 Transit Services" in the subject line of your email*** mailto:cfadden@albany.edu mailto:cfadden@albany.edu