Rural Transport Services Qualification System

Rural Transport Services Qualification System

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is further expanding and enhancing the public transport network. The NTA would like to remind Transport Operators that they can register for tender competitions here for TFI Local Link services at any time. Tender competitions will include the new and enhanced Connecting Ireland routes along with re-tendering of TFI Local Link Regular Rural Services (RRS) and the Demand Responsive Services (DRT), along with some urban services, which will operate under the TFI Local Link brand in provincial towns. Interested Transport Operators can register their interest within this CFT.

Qualification System for National Shared Micromobility Schemes

The National Transport Authority (the “Authority”) wishes to establish a Qualification System in relation to contracts to operate certain Shared Micromobility Schemes throughout Ireland. This Qualification System will enable the procurement (by way of call off competitions), of operator(s) to supply and operate Shared Micromobility Scheme(s) in urban areas. The term of the Qualification System shall be five (5) years and shall commence on 14th February 2025. A candidate may seek admission to this Qualification System at any time during its term. The Qualification System shall be established and maintained by the Authority. Other contracting authorities may utilise the Qualification System to facilitate call off competitions pertaining to the operation of Shared Micromobility Schemes or shared micromobility projects funded by the Authority. Each call off contract is expected to comprise of, but not limited to the following principal obligations: • Provide, operate and maintain shared micromobility vehicles, (which can include bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and/or e-cargo bikes) for the duration of the respective call-off contract; • Provide, operate and maintain a secure e-commerce platform for the duration of the respective call-off contract; • Operate a reliable and safe shared micromobility service as set out in the call-off contract; and • Promote the use of shared micromobility to encourage user demand. Under each call off competition, the services to be provided by the operator shall be defined by a services specification provided within the relevant tender documents and draft contract, but may comprise of one (1) or more of the following modes: • shared bikes; • shared e-bikes; • shared e-scooters; and/or • shared e-cargo bikes. Individual contracts may include: • one (1) or more of the modes detailed above, depending on local needs; and/or • one (1) or more operators, depending on local needs. Individual contracts under this Qualification System will involve varied operating business models depending on the circumstances of the contract in question. Such operating business models may include but are not limited to the following: • Operating contract; • Public/Private partnership (with or without revenue support); and/or • Licence/service permits. A range of tariffs shall be required to maximise user demand for the schemes. Individual contracts may include the following: • Subscription based tariffs (for frequent users); and/or • Single trip/Pay as You Go tariffs (for less frequent users). Individual contracts may include both tariffs set by the Authority or contracting authority and/or the operator(s). The provision of shared micromobility services require partnership working between the public sector and private sector operators. This can include financial support to both launch and grow service provision. Individual contracts may include: • Capital funding to support the implementation or expansion of a scheme; and/or • Revenue funding to support the ongoing operations of a scheme. Where shared micromobility schemes are already in existence, there may be existing on-street infrastructure and vehicles. Individual contracts may include options such as the following: • To re-use existing infrastructure and vehicles where possible; and/or • To replace existing infrastructure and vehicles as required. Full details of the Qualification System (including its operation) are provided within the Pre-Qualification Documents, which are available to all interested economic operators. All interested economic operators are now invited to submit a Pre-Qualification Submission for admission onto the Qualification System as set out in the Pre-Qualification Documents.

Provision of Public Bus Services in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal under NTA Qualification System for Provision of Public Bus Services.

The National Transport Authority is planning the procurement of public bus services for two new routes in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, requiring a peak vehicle requirement of 6 buses, depot facilities, and single-deck low-floor wheelchair-accessible urban buses. Operators interested in participating in the call-off competition should apply to be admitted to the relevant contract band and region under the Qualification System. The initial contract duration is 5 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years, with an estimated total contract value of 24,341,716 EUR.