Request for Information-Paratransit-ADA Origin to Destination-CARE PLUS and Care On Demand Mobility Services Network

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) is seeking expressions of interest from transportation providers for CARE Plus and CARE On-Demand mobility services, with responses due November 10, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Richmond time. Industry meeting requests are due November 12, 2026, and meetings are scheduled for November 17–20, 2026. The opportunity lists Newport News City and Roanoke City as jurisdictions. Responding does not guarantee selection for the subsequent RFP, and GRTC may award to one or more offerors, award the two services separately or jointly, and maintain a network that includes both FTA-compliant and non-FTA-compliant providers.

Eligible respondents include Transportation Network Companies, mobility management companies, transportation brokers, accessible transportation providers, non-emergency medical transportation providers, and other qualified transportation entities. CARE Plus provides fare-free trips for eligible customers traveling to or from locations within the Greater Henrico area outside GRTC's ADA complementary paratransit service area. CARE On-Demand provides same-day trips under an established fare structure, currently a $7.00 passenger fare for trips up to six miles and $1.15 per mile beyond six miles for ambulatory and wheelchair-accessible trips. Pricing proposals must itemize base, mileage, time-based, WAV, cancellation, no-show, administrative, platform, wait-time, and other surcharges, with scenarios for ambulatory and WAV trips from 5 to 50 miles. GRTC prefers tolls and operating expenses be built into proposed pricing, though tolls may be separately identified if necessary. The EOI outlines liquidated damages of $100 per missed trip, $250 per missed WAV trip, and $500 per WAV trip denial, plus escalating penalties for safety and compliance violations.

The anticipated RFP will be issued December 14, 2026, with a pre-proposal conference on January 5, 2027, and proposals due January 21, 2027. Oral discussions are scheduled for February 8–9, 2027, with an award decision anticipated in March 2027, board award and notice of award in April 2027, and mobilization in May 2027. GRTC reserves the right to modify fares, subsidies, eligibility requirements, and service policies during the contract term, and to reallocate trips among participating providers based on performance, compliance, customer needs, and best value.