Ireland – Bus maintenance services – On-Bus Works - Framework for Technology and Fabrication Works on Public Transport Buses 2024 to 2028

The NTA is currently in procurement for two major projects: • Next Generation Automatic Vehicle Location (“NG AVL”); and • Next Generation Ticketing (“NGT”). These procurements will progress to implementation phases starting in Q4 2023 and they will require vehicle location, displays, sensors and ticketing equipment to be installed on all NTA buses (existing and new) in the coming years. This tender competition aims to put in place a Framework Agreement to enable Clients to perform enabling works on public transport buses that will facilitate subsequent implementation of NG AVL and NGT on-bus solutions. The NTA plans to do some advance work on the existing fleet of buses to allow for a faster rollout of the two projects – NG AVL and NGT. This work is being called the “Bus Retrofit” and involves the installation of standardized IP Backbone cabling linking to a number of access points where future equipment will be installed. All cabling will terminate in a central location on the bus where existing and new cabling will be connected up to a demarcation point. Detailed instructions and bill of materials will be provided as part of any Cascade or Mini-Competition. Additional information regarding the Bus Retrofit work is set out in Annex C of the RFT. Additional On-bus fabrication works will be required when legacy ticketing and AVL equipment is removed from the bus – for example, the installation of new driver cockpit flexi-glass to maintain driver security or the removal of poles or installation of other mechanical components to facilitate a fast rollout of NG AVL and NGT. The NTA currently has approximately 2,300 buses comprised of a mix of single deck and double deck and coaches. The majority of the buses are based around the greater Dublin area. Approximately 800 to 1,000 buses will require significant work to install an Ethernet backbone and access point cabling (Bus Retrofit work) from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024 prior to NG AVL installation. Additional information regarding NTA’s bus fleet is set out in the procurement documents. The NTA proposes to implement a multi-lot On-Bus Works Framework Agreement. The On-Bus Works Framework Agreement will provide a shortlist of suitably skilled and experienced Participants who can tender for future On-Bus Works based on lots as and when it is required to support the projects and ongoing operations.