Public Transit System Study

Tioga County is seeking a comprehensive Public Transit System Study through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on September 3, 2025, with responses due by October 3, 2025. The procurement aims to address declining ridership and analyze innovative transit options to improve system efficiencies, expand coverage, and develop solutions for areas with limited transportation options. The selected consultant will be required to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the current public transit system, focusing on service efficiency, rider experience, and geographical coverage. Key deliverables will include a detailed assessment of existing routes, potential improvements to fixed-route networks, and strategies to increase ridership. The evaluation criteria will likely emphasize demonstrated understanding of transit systems, relevant experience, proposed methodology, and cost-effectiveness. While the specific document suggests a May 1, 2026 draft deadline and June 1, 2026 final document submission, proposers should carefully review the full RFP for precise project timelines and submission requirements.

The RFP indicates a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 5.88%, with 4% allocated to race/gender neutral participation and 1.88% to race/gender conscious participation. This suggests that minority-owned, women-owned, and other disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to participate in the bidding process. Although the specific budget range is not explicitly stated in the provided documentation, the requirement for a lump sum fee proposal with a detailed cost breakdown for seven specific tasks implies a structured financial approach to the project. The study will be funded through the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) adopted by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which provides additional context for the procurement's financial framework. Potential proposers should carefully review the full RFP to understand the precise qualification requirements, which will likely include demonstrated expertise in transit system analysis, public transportation planning, and comprehensive system evaluation.