A robust, affordable and reliable public transportation system is critical when it comes to enabling the economic success of communities across the globe. Public transportation systems (bus, rail, trolleys, etc.) are also important from an economic, quality of life, environmental and future growth perspective. With a general increase in purchasing power in the United States and the resultant increase in the number of private automobiles, the country’s road networks are under ever-increasing strain. On the other hand, public transit organizations across the country are operating with limited resources that curtail their ability to provide fast, reliable and affordable services. Newer technologies such as Intelligent Transportation Systems (Computer Aided Dispatch, Automated Vehicle Location, Passenger Counters), Vehicle Health Diagnostics, Fuel and Yard Management Systems and Maintenance Management Systems allow public transit authorities to bridge the gap between demand and resources by creative utilization of management information. Mindboard is at the forefront of helping our Public Transit clients strategize vision, streamline business processes and implement technologies that enable them to deliver outstanding services at affordable costs.
Within the public transportation sphere, Mindboard specializes in providing strategic operations modernization services through the use of innovative business practices and tactical technology acquisitions. Our proven expertise is showcased through our successes with helping small, medium and large public transit systems implement complex Intelligent Transportation Systems. Additionally, we are in the constant pursuit of taking technology advisory services to the next level by unearthing disruptive trends in technology, to the benefit of our clients. Our team of professionals has successfully helped our clients make significant strides towards the achievement of a streamlined strategic vision through the employment of cutting edge yet practical academic, business and technical methodologies. Innovations such as Software as a Service, connected devices, Internet of Things and Mobility as a Service, are rapidly changing the traditional model of service delivery, and Mindboard stands poised to ensure that our clients are able to take advantage of these developments.
Objective: Development of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Needs Assessment, Requirements Development of RFP and Procurement Support
Background and Solution: Mindboard was engaged in developing a Comprehensive Plan for Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS) at the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) in Youngstown, OH. Mindboard initiated this project by interviewing key WRTA personnel in an effort to understand WRTA's ITS vision. Following our analysis of the interview findings, reviewing WRTA services, facilities and IT resources, and shadowing critical business processes and documents, we defined WRTA's ITS vision. Based on our observations and findings, Mindboard developed a comprehensive ITS Needs Assessment Document, business and functional requirements that were included in the system procurement RFP.
The Mindboard team conducted a benchmark study and best practices review to identify gaps in WRTA’s ITS processes and developed an ITS Action Plan. Mindboard identified suitable applications that fit WRTA's future requirements and budget allocations. Mindboard additionally prepared an ITS implementation plan and defined technical specifications for selected applications and developed a request for proposal (RFP) for identified APTS.
Mindboard also managed the ITS vendor review and procurement process by evaluating vendor proposals, developing vendor information packets, conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses, managing vendor demonstrations, providing recommendation for vendor selection, and conducting contract negotiations with selected vendor.