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Transport for NSW has invited private companies to play a part in developing a series of pilot projects trialling transport services that show up when and where customers need them.
It’s an ambitious development in public transport, as people have traditionally had to sit at designated bus stops and wait for their ride to arrive, or otherwise cough up the cash and call a cab.
But now the state government is looking into more interactive options for commuters who might require a lift from somewhere well away from the nearest bus stop, which is a major pain point for anyone living outside the metropolitan areas.
So the department is now accepting expressions of interest from industry groups to pitch innovative models for on-demand services that offer more ‘personalised’ and ‘flexible’ technology enable solutions that the government says will “improve the quality of life for customers right across the state”.
Customer Services Deputy Secretary Tony Braxton-Smith said partnering with industry leaders would put Transport for NSW at the forefront of the technology revolution.
“New and emerging technologies are changing the way that businesses operate with customers now expecting to get what they want when they want it, and transport needs to keep up,” Mr Braxton-Smith said.
“The beauty of on-demand services is that they could improve the convenience and reliability of public transport for all customers, not just those on main transport routes.
“Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting the latest technologies is a priority for Transport for NSW, which is why we developed the Future Transport Technology Roadmap earlier this year.
“Cultivating more personalised and tailored services is a key target identified in the Roadmap and this project is an important step towards that goal. Successful ideas will generate great opportunities for the market in future service contracts.
“The most innovative ideas often come through collaboration which is why we want leaders in the technology and transport industries to work with us to develop a clever, creative solution.”
The government has asked that EOIs on the On Demand Transport Pilot be submitted through the NSW eTendering website by 24th February, 2017.
Following an evaluation period, all pilot programs are expected to be operational by the end of 2017.
