Dynamic Demanding Responsive Transport - DDRT West of England Combined Authority

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Future Transport Zone (FTZ) is a £28m innovation programme aiming to improve the integration of public transport across the West of England. This notice specifically focusses on the DDRT project, which is part of the FTZ programme.

Our vision for DDRT is to offer an alternative additional public transport mode, especially in areas where traditional modes do not currently present as a viable option or service. It is our intention to procure a partner to deliver a bespoke DDRT solution for the region, especially looking at locations in North Bristol and South Gloucester, (the Northern Arc/ Southmead/ Avonmouth and Severnside).

What is a DDRT service:

• DDRT is Dynamic, demand, responsive transport service
• It is formed of a technology platform, which is formed of a customer app/ driver app/ back office and customer support and a fleet of vehicles.
• Allows customers to book via an app/ website/ call centre for transport from a pre agreed pick up/ drop off.
• Vehicles are typically smaller buses or minibus or shared taxis
• We will prescribe operating zones, and the services can run within these boundaries.
• Users book onto the service and technology platform routes accordingly, to pick up overs or connect to other transport services.

The main objectives are:

• to provide efficient public transport alternatives where conventional bus and rail services cannot offer viable solutions.
• to connect areas of low skill, high unemployment, and low car ownership, with areas of high employment.
• to maximise the value of regional transport investments by increasing the catchment area of public transport through first/last mile connectivity.
• to improve congestion and air quality by reducing the reliance on single-occupancy car journeys and producing a modal shift, particularly in areas where public transport is not an option.
• to improve access directly to places of employment and therefore accelerate economic growth and productivity, particularly in areas of deprivation.

The technical requirements regarding the functionality and usability of the DDRT platform are detailed in the specification.

The DDRT trial is made up of two operating trial locations. The first of the trial zones should be ready to go live to the public in October/ early November 2022. The second should be live February 2023. Both trials will run for a year each. The DDRT service will be integrated with our MaaS platform and other modes in the region. Additional information: Please access www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk ↗