Safe Ride Program, Ohio Traffic Safety Office

The Ohio Department of Public Safety, through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), is seeking a vendor to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Ride Program targeting impaired driving reduction during high-risk holiday periods. The Request for Proposals (RFP) solicits a rideshare program specifically focused on counties including Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Montgomery, Lucas, Summit, and Butler. The primary objective is to provide alternative transportation options to prevent OVI-related (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) crashes, which currently account for 56% of motor vehicle deaths in Ohio. Vendors will be required to partner with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to offer mobile application-based transportation services, with OTSO anticipating providing $15 ride share credits to participants. The contract will run from the award date through June 30, 2027, with potential two-year renewals contingent on funding appropriations. The proposal submission deadline is October 20, 2025, with evaluation criteria encompassing initial development costs, hourly program administration rates, customization rates, and a proposed percentage markup on rideshare vouchers. Key deliverables include developing a program targeting specific high-risk holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Christmas/New Year's, and Thanksgiving.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total project is funded through federal grants from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), with an estimated $200,000 allocated for rideshare vouchers. Bidders will be required to propose a percentage markup on these vouchers as part of their cost proposal. The program will leverage existing mobile application infrastructure from major rideshare providers to facilitate on-demand transportation. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the RFP indicates this is an expansion of a previous pilot program conducted in the Columbus metro area during 2024. Potential vendors should have experience in transportation program management, mobile application integration, and the ability to coordinate with multiple rideshare service providers. The contract's estimated value will depend on the proposed markup and actual voucher usage, but the underlying goal remains consistent: reducing impaired driving incidents through accessible, low-cost transportation alternatives.