Bus Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) and Traffic Light Priority (TLP)

Lancashire is committed to promoting bus travel across the County. It is currently developing a technology-based approach for network management including the deployment of intelligent bus priority at key signalised junctions and the provision of a Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system to support local bus services and improve the customer experience.

A new RTPI system is a key component of the Lancashire Future Mobility Platform and was central to the Bus Theme in the recent East Lancashire LUF Application, as well as supporting the Council's broader policies for promoting sustainable transport, digitalisation, and carbon reduction. The Council is seeking to appoint an RTPI system provider to enable the countywide processing and publishing of bus arrival times and predictions to digital displays at bus stops, interchanges, and bus stations and via web-based information services and applications.

Audio facilities providing 'talking bus stops' for visually impaired people will also be included in the specification. The successful system provider will be responsible for the supply, installation, and maintenance of a central RTPI system, on street RTPI displays and associated communications for the course of the contract.

In addition, the Council requires the system provider to design, supply, install and maintain a Traffic Light Priority system for buses at signalised junctions and for bus services as specified by the Council. This will require linking to the current Lancashire Urban Traffic Control system provided by Yunex Limited.

Open Tender Procedure compliant with the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The Contract will be awarded for an initial period of four-years commencing on the successful LUF funding application.

Two one-year options are available to extend this agreement. The contract term will enable the Council to fulfil its commitments under the East Lancashire LUF, the BSIP and TCF programmes and allow for the rollout of RTPI services, displays and Traffic Light Priority (TLP) in line with future investment approvals, schemes, and initiatives.

A procurement exercise will be conducted with the award of the whole contract potential being subject to receipt of future funding approval. The grant application (Levelling Up Fund) will be submitted later this year for confirmation in early 2025.

The Council intends to demonstrate its commitment to the programme of works and thus strengthen its funding bid by seeking Cabinet's approval to proceed with the procurement exercise. Tenderers will be advised that award of the contract is contingent on the Council being successful in its bid for government funding.