Operations Daily Scheduling & Timekeeping Solution

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is seeking proposals from a proven Dispatch Software to cater directly to our Fixed Route (FR) and Dial-A-Ride (DAR) paratransit services. BFT's goal is to establish a real-time dispatching system with badge swipe capabilities at the dispatch window, operator work tracking, work editing, operator and vehicle management, and payroll import/export features supporting daily scheduling, workforce management, timekeeping and payroll functions.

BFT's current CAD/AVL vendors are TripSpark for Fixed Route and Trapeze PASS for Dial-A-Ride. A separate RFP is currently underway for a new CAD/AVL system for DAR.

While this RFP is specifically focused on acquiring a transit operations management system that can operate alongside existing and future CAD/AVL platforms, BFT may consider comprehensive solutions that offer integration and cost-saving opportunities.

The proposed solution will integrate on-site and web-based dispatching, bidding, and time off requests. The proposed software will seamlessly communicate with our current Hastus planning modules and Workday Payroll software. An operator-facing computer/mobile application will allow operators to easily schedule and cancel time off, check eligibility status, and provide real-time status of their bids and time off requests.

Key features include the ability for BFT to capture all Operator and service data through user-friendly reports in a web-based or cloud-based module. All data necessary for mandatory State and Federal reporting must be included in this module. It is imperative that the solution aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements as outlined in the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Paratransit regulations.

BFT is a municipal corporation that provides public transportation services in a 618 square mile area located in Benton County and Franklin County since 1981. This area includes the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, Prosser, and Finley, serving a population of approximately 228,992 residents.

Current Service Profile

BFT operates three modes of service:

1. Fixed Route Service: Approximately 160 bus operators, 70 low-floor buses, ~55 Vehicles Operated in Maximum Service (VOMS), and an average of 12,000 unlinked passenger trips per day. Service span is currently 6 AM – 10 PM weekdays, 7 AM to 10 PM Saturdays, and 8 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
2. ADA Paratransit Service: Dial-A-Ride service for individuals unable to utilize regular fixed-route bus services due to a disability or condition. 95 lift-equipped cutaway vehicles with an average of 54 live daily routes and 950 daily passenger trips
3. General Demand Service: On-demand service in certain areas, including Benton City, Prosser, and surrounding rural communities

BFT partners with a third-party contractor, ARC, for additional paratransit rides consisting of a fleet of 14 cutaway vehicles and an average of 11 live daily routes sharing CAD/AVL capabilities with BFT.