Request for Proposal to Provide Shared Ride Taxi Services and Commuter Bus Services in the County of Ozaukee

Ozaukee County Transit Services has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a contractor to provide shared-ride taxi services and commuter bus services throughout Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. The procurement seeks a single vendor to operate a comprehensive transit system with two primary service components: a demand-responsive shared-ride taxi service operating seven days per week (5:00 AM to 11:30 PM weekdays, 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sundays) and a fixed-route commuter bus service with three morning and four afternoon runs between Ozaukee County and downtown Milwaukee. The initial contract period is 24 months, beginning January 1, 2023, with options for three additional one-year renewals, potentially creating a five-year total contract. Minimum qualifications for vendors include demonstrated knowledge of public transit operations, experience with federal and state transportation funding programs, financial stability, and ability to secure required liability insurance. The evaluation methodology will allocate 100 points across four categories: Professional Competence (20 points), Capacity (25 points), Experience (25 points), and Price (30 points). Proposals are due by 1:00 PM CDT on October 28, 2022, with a pre-proposal conference held via Zoom on October 4, 2022, and optional facility tours available on October 3-4, 2022.

The contract is subject to federal and state regulations, including disadvantaged business enterprise requirements and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Incumbent vendors include Specialized Transport Services, Inc. for shared-ride taxi services and Milwaukee Transport Services, Inc. for commuter bus services, though MCTS has declined to bid for the 2023 contract. Ozaukee County will provide significant infrastructure support, including 28 vehicles (leased at $1 annually), mobile radios, mobile data computers, facility space, vehicle maintenance, and fuel for taxi services. Funding sources encompass Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 grants, Wisconsin Department of Transportation grants, CARES Act funds, and county appropriations. The contractor will retain all fare revenues, which are currently structured with adult rates ranging from $3.50 to $8.00 depending on mileage, and commuter bus one-way fares set at $5.00, with discounted rates available for seniors, students, and disabled passengers. The county anticipates approximately 627 weekly vehicle hours for shared-ride taxi services and projects commuter bus ridership at about 20 passengers per run. The successful contractor must comply with extensive federal and state regulations, including drug and alcohol testing programs and equal opportunity requirements.