PRESENTER: Presenter
Julie Sitton, Transit Manager
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider approval of a contract with River North Transit, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of Via Transportation, Inc. for microtransit services to the New Braunfels Urban Transit District.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A Request for Proposal was issued on April 15, 2025, requesting a turnkey contractor to provide microtransit services within the microtransit zone in New Braunfels. The request sought out a contractor to deliver on-demand microtransit services through data-driven, forward-looking mobility using tools, expertise, and operational models that will maximize the impact of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding.
Ten (10) responses were received, with one being non-responsive. A team of City staff evaluated the qualified applications in July 2025. Two finalists were selected, and follow-up interviews were conducted. City Council received an update on the process at the August 21, 2025 and September 22, 2025 Council meetings.
Based on the RFP and interview, Via was selected as the most qualified and best value for the City. The contract will have a three (3) year term with the first year not-to-exceed $1,146,000,000 dollars and a one-time implementation fee of $138,000. The total contract value shall not exceed $3,680,000 for the 3-year base contract term. The City will have the option to extend the term of the contract for two (2) additional one-year periods.
ISSUE:
Provide improved transit services through the award a contract for microtransit services.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Milestone: Begin citywide micro transit service by the end of FY 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
The contract will be paid by funds awarded by the FTA, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), therefore, sufficient funding is available to support this contract.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff are recommending approval of a contract with River North Transit, LLC for microtransit services.