The Transit Management Request for Proposal (RFP)

A request for proposals (RFP) or a similar structured procurement process is used to select transit management companies for most transit systems in the Municipal Systems Program and the Victoria Regional handyDART System. The process is conducted every five years for most transit systems.

The exceptions to this process are systems operated by public organizations (BC Transit in Victoria, Regional District of Nanaimo, City of Nelson, District of Powell River and Sunshine Coast Regional District) and non-profit societies with small annual transit budgets (less than $200,000).

RFP Background

The RFP process is conducted by BC Transit under provisions of the BC Transit Act and the Transit Service Agreement between BC Transit and a local government. The Transit Service Agreement states BC Transit shall "in consultation with the municipality, call for proposals, evaluate proposals and settle the terms of the Operating Agreements with transit service operators of public passenger transportation systems."

The RFP is a competitive process that is used to tap the creativity, expertise and innovation of the private sector in the delivery of transit services.

The RFP process is administered without bias. The RFP document specifies the requirements for an acceptable proposal, including company profile, management plans and costs. The evaluation criteria, their relative weighting and the process to recommend a management company are all contained in the RFP.

The RFP is not a tender and it is not a low-bid process. Most of the RFP evaluation points are awarded for quality and not just cost. Currently, 80% of the scoring is for factors related to quality of service and 20% for costs.

BC Transit consults with the local government partner throughout this process. Final approval on RFP terms and conditions, selection criteria and weighting and the selection of a transit management company rests with the BC Transit Board of Directors.

The term of an existing contract may be extended beyond five years, subject to acceptable terms, conditions and costs associated with the extension, and written agreement by all parties.

Conclusions

The RFP process is significant in ensuring efficient and effective transit service. It is commonly used by many public and private organizations and BC Transit's process reflects modern RFP practices. BC Transit is a leader in adapting this practice to public transit in order to meet the needs of a wide cross-section of stakeholders.

Last updated May 2004.

This website provides general information on the RFP process. Users must consult the RFP document available from BC Transit for RFP terms and conditions relating to specific communities.