Rider Information & Trip Planning Platform Solution

The selected vendor will provide a digital platform to improve the public transit rider experience by delivering real-time service information, trip planning, and two-way communication. The platform must offer mobile (iOS and Android) and web access, integrate with existing transit data systems, support agency planning needs, and provide tools for managing live service updates, including detours. Future integration with mobile ticketing is expected.

BFT provides public transportation services in a 625 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 285,000 residents. BFT sees roughly 12,000 fixed route boardings a day, and BFT's current trip planning solution has +5,000 active users.

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 1000 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.