The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Dec. 31 that is seeking to procure a ticket vending machine system (TVMS) for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system, scheduled to begin operations in early 2015.
As part of the overall CTfastrak proof-of-payment fare system, the machines, to be installed at each CTfastrak station, will make it easy and convenient to purchase single-trip or single-day tickets.
The TVMS Request For Proposal (RFP) documents, including detailed instructions to submit the proposal, are available on the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services website.
Potential proposers must submit a letter or email of intent to propose, which must be either postmarked by, or, if hand delivered, received at the security desk at DOT Headquarters by noon on Friday, January 10, 2014. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. Jan. 10, at DOT Headquarters, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Conn. The deadline to submit proposals is Jan. 31, at which point the DOT will select a preferred proposer and begin negotiations on a contract.
In the coming weeks, the DOT will be issuing a RFP for a new fare technology system for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system and all CTTransit fixed-route vehicles. These new fare systems will incorporate the latest technologies. The ticket vending machines will allow pre-payment of fares on CTfastrak which means customers can enter through all doors for faster boarding. The full system will also offer future upgrades to allow smart card and mobile phone ticketing.
