SR-1000-001-06
TD:JBC:SGN:f\trans\admin\council\teleridecontract.wpd Santa Monica, California
Council Meeting: January 11, 2000
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a
Contract with Teleride, Inc., to Procure and Maintain a Transit Scheduling
and Customer Information Software System for the Big Blue Bus.
INTRODUCTION
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Teleride, Inc. for transit scheduling and customer information
system software in an amount not to exceed $550,000, and authorize annual purchase
orders in an amount not to exceed $87,000 for software maintenance and upgrades.
BACKGROUND
Automated scheduling capability is an essential component in providing accurate transit
schedules and efficient assignment of drivers. The Big Blue Bus currently uses a DOS-
based (keyboard-driven, rather than mouse-driven) system purchased in 1992. Although
the system has undergone several upgrades since that time, it is no longer suitable to
operate in the Department’s Windows-based, multi-user environment.
On September 8, 1998, the City Council authorized the development of an Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) Plan for the Big Blue Bus. Computer-aided scheduling
information will serve as a primary data source for the other advanced technologies related
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to this project. Schedule data developed and maintained on this system will directly
interface with an automated dispatching system; motor coach operator bidding and
timekeeping systems; and a satellite-based voice and data communication system. These
elements will be integrated into a coordinated technology structure designed to improve
Big Blue Bus on-street operating efficiency and service quality.
The ITS Plan also recommends that the scheduling system link directly to an automated
customer information system (CIS) in order to give each Big Blue Bus customer service
representative immediate access to daily schedule and route information. The functional
requirements of the ITS plan also call for the schedule system to interface with the Big
Blue Bus Internet website in order to allow customers to access schedule information from
remote terminals, including information kiosks.
DISCUSSION
In coordination with the functional specifications outlined in the ITS Plan, scheduling and
customer information system software was solicited using a “Request for Proposal”
distributed to eight prospective firms. Four proposals were received, although one was
determined to be non-responsive to the functional requirements of the RFP. The
remaining three proposers were invited to make oral presentations and answer questions
before a selection committee of Transportation Department staff.
The three firms who participated in the oral presentations were Giro, Inc., Trapeze, Inc.,
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and Teleride, Inc. The selection committee evaluated these firms on the basis of their
understanding of the project, scope of work, experience of firm and personnel, cost
proposals, and ability to meet budget and schedule expectations.
Based on their written proposal and oral presentation, the selection committee
recommended Teleride, Inc. to provide the scheduling and CIS software services.
Teleride’s scheduling module meets all of the technical elements required for producing
efficient, accurate schedules and operator work assignments. It also contains a
geographic information system (GIS), which will integrate with the City’s GIS system and
will enhance the transit system’s ability to maintain information on bus stop locations, route
patterns, street layouts, and route attractions and landmarks. The scheduling software
also gives the Big Blue Bus better management reporting capability.
Teleride’s CIS uses the scheduling system’s database to provide bus stop-specific route
information and trip planning options using interactive voice response or by speaking
directly with a customer service representative. The information can also be accessed by
way of touch-screen kiosks, which are planned for the downtown transit mall project and
via the Internet. Additional features of the CIS make information on fares, transfers, ADA/
Wheelchair accessibility, and service detour information available to users.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL
The cost of the Teleride scheduling and customer information software systems contract
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including optional software, product licensing, project management, installation, testing,
customization, onsite training, and one-year warranty is $521,576. Including
contingencies, the amount for this contract is not to exceed $550,000. Funds are available
in account number C41011300.589000.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Teleride, Inc.
for automated scheduling and customer information software for the Transportation
Department in an amount not to exceed $550,000;
2. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue annual purchase orders for software
maintenance and upgrades in an amount not to exceed $87,000.
Prepared by: John B. Catoe, Jr., Director of Transportation
Stephanie Negriff, Transit Development Manager
Jory Wolf, Manager of Information Systems
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