Automated Bus Land and Bus Stop Enforcement System (Hardware & Software)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is seeking proposals for an Automated Bus Lane and Bus Stop Enforcement System through RFP 100-25, issued on August 8, 2025, with responses due by September 10, 2025. The procurement targets a comprehensive vehicle detection system (VDS) that will use cameras and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology to detect and document violations in bus lanes and bus stops across multiple municipalities in the greater Boston metropolitan area. The initial pilot will deploy the system on two bus routes (SL4 and SL5) using two New Flyer XDE60 buses, with potential expansion to approximately 300 VDS installations across the MBTA's fleet. The system must accurately capture evidence of vehicles unlawfully parked or standing in designated bus zones, process this evidence through a central system, and enable MBTA staff to review and approve violations before transferring citations to the agency's Citation Management Engine. Evaluation criteria will include technical solution quality, supplier diversity, project management capabilities, warranty and support offerings, and pricing considerations, with the MBTA conducting a technology pilot to assess solution effectiveness before full implementation.

The RFP indicates a strong emphasis on supplier diversity and accessibility, requiring bidders to comply with comprehensive accessibility standards and potentially engage with the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The contract term is three years, with options for three additional one-year extensions, and an estimated program start date of January 12, 2026. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the procurement documents suggest a preference for vendors that can demonstrate diverse supplier participation and meet strict technical and accessibility requirements. The proposed system must integrate with existing MBTA bus infrastructure, which includes a diverse fleet of approximately 1,046 vehicles across 15 service routes, featuring CNG, hybrid, and electric bus models. Though exact budget ranges are not specified in the documents, the pricing template suggests significant investment in equipment installation, licensing, maintenance, training, project management, and cellular data plans, with potential for expanded deployments in subsequent years. Vendors will be expected to provide detailed technical responses covering functionality, system accuracy, integration capabilities, and comprehensive evidence management protocols.