4.1. Description of Solicited Services Pierce County is seeking an organization to launch a Transportation Pilot Program (Program) that will provide “demand” transportation service for residents in the Spanaway/176th Corridor area. “Demand” transportation services are defined as a transit mode composed of passenger cars, vans, or small buses operating in response to pre-scheduled requests from passengers or their agents made to the Program operator, who then dispatches a vehicle to pick up the passengers and transport them to their destinations. Proposals must allow for passengers to schedule rides 24-hours or more prior to the service. Applicants are encouraged to include ride-sharing efficiency strategies in their proposal responses. The Program must operate at least 5 days out of the week, ideally 6 including Saturday. It shall emphasize access to community centers and gathering areas, health and wellness services, nutritional food hubs, and employment centers. The Program will serve rural areas, outside of the Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA), and provide connections to certain bus routes within the underserved area of the Spanaway/176th Corridor area in Pierce County. Attachment A is a copy of the map of the Spanaway/176th Corridor area that circles some key interest areas and arrows representing residential areas. The map gives a strong indication of the service area. The transportation pilot program shall focus on serving youth (including allowing youth under age 18) to ride without a legal guardian, veterans, seniors, and underrepresented populations, but shall not be limited to this ridership. Awardee may be required to assist the County in the marketing of the pilot. The County will bear related marketing costs. The funding shall be used for operational costs, and not capital expenses such as the purchase of vehicles. Applicants must have an established and operational fleet of vehicles, defined as a number of vehicles (passenger cars, vans, or small buses) under the control of one company or organization, at the time of contract execution. The transportation pilot program will produce data to help plan next steps in supporting parts of the county that are transportation deserts. The data being sought is: • The number of riders using the service by geographic area. • The number of service hours provided. • The data relevant to evaluating the demand and benefit cost of the service. • Cost analysis for actual services in the future.
