Title
Traveler Information System (GPS System) (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to approve agreements with TransLoc, Inc. and the University of Florida Board of Trustees in order to provide a Traveler Information System.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville entered into an agreement with the University of Florida (UF) on December 12, 2007, that allowed UF to have an advanced vehicle location system (AVL) for a Traveler Information System installed in fifty (50) Regional Transit System (RTS) fixed route buses. The system that was selected was TransLoc, Inc.'s Transit Visualization Systems. The original equipment and services were funded and procured solely by UF. Since 2007, the remainder of the fleet has been added.
TransLoc’s system allows travelers to access real time bus schedule information via the internet and provides RTS dispatchers a method to visually monitor bus location and performance. Having an AVL system on the entire fleet of RTS buses has helped improve service reliability and on-time performance by allowing dispatchers to have better situational awareness of the bus fleet and make adjustments to service routes as needed. Additionally, TransLoc’s software provides information and data that are valuable tools in management and route planning.
RTS worked with the Purchasing department to issue a Request for Proposals in FY15 for alternative AVL systems and determined that it would be more cost effective and efficient to upgrade the existing system. RTS staff and customers are already very familiar with the functionality of TransLoc’s software and equipment. In addition, the integration or merging of multiple AVL systems is not possible due to the proprietary nature of operating systems hardware and software.
RTS is requesting approval to enter into a Technology License and Service Agreement with TransLoc, Inc. for vehicle tracking and passenger information service. The Transloc Agreement includes $62,700 one-time equipment fees, and a recurring monthly service fee of $195 per bus for 128 buses, or $24,960/month (totaling $299,520 per year). The term is for 5 years making the total for the contract with TransLoc come to $1,560,300.
UF has agreed to partner with RTS to continue the bus tracking service; a separate agreement which will provide financial support for the project will be required between UF and RTS. In exchange for RTS contracting to provide TransLoc’s web-based service that allows the public to track the location of RTS buses, UF shall pay RTS $12,870 monthly (totaling $154,440 per year). This would provide $772,200 over a 5 year period.
Fiscal Note
The Technology License and Service Agreement with TransLoc, Inc. will cost $1,560,300 over a 5 year term. RTS has a capital grant from the FTA for the $62,700 one-time equipment fees. UF has agreed to provide $772,200 in funding for this project, leaving $725,400 for RTS to fund ($145,080 annually). RTS has funding budgeted and available in the FY16 operating budget to cover their portion of the annual expenses for this service.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Technology License and Service Agreement with Transloc, Inc. and all related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Bus Tracking Services Agreement with the University of Florida and all related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.