Form ProjStat (Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 16-15FY16 Annual Program
Title: / Using Public Transportation to Facilitate Last Mile Package Delivery
The Problem: / Texas serves as a major hub for goods movement in North America.Texas must fully utilize its multimodaltransportation system to move goods in the mosteffective manner. (TxDOT, Move Texas Freight). As internet shopping increases the demand for package delivery, there is a need for more efficient “last mile” delivery of goods in rural areas. Historically, intercity bus operators provided package delivery. However, intercity bus companies have closed many routes through the most rural areas of the state. There are 37rural transit districts in Texas that operate in multiple counties across the state.All rural counties(except Newton and Chambers Counties in southeast Texas) are served by a rural transit district (Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035). Research is needed to address gaps in package delivery that may be served by rural transit providers in Texas.
Technical
Objectives: / The research team will conduct state of the industry research to answer the following questions.
- What rural transit districts currently provide package delivery for a fee?
- What is the demand? What revenues are generated?
- Is there demand/capacity for more package delivery on public transportation?
- What is peer state experience?
- What are the considerations re: size, weight, content, etc? When is this concept viable?
- How much revenue could be generated? Are the revenues eligible as local match for federal grants?
- What are the benefits and potential issues?
- Will there be competition with commercial package delivery companies?
- What are regulatory and legal issues to address?
Ultimately, researchers will develop a final report that documents guidance for last mile package delivery by public transportation, including a discussion of lessons learned and best practices. Researchers will also develop guidance for TxDOT’s role in goods movementmoved by public transportation.
Desired
Deliverables: / The proposed research will include the following deliverables:
•Synthesis of the current state of the practice
•Guidance for state-funded and rural transit districts to provide last mile package delivery
•Pilot projects to demonstrate how public transportation can facilitate last mile package delivery
Proposal
Requirements: /
- Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University Handbook.
- Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting Information: / Thursday, March 12, 2015 2:30 – 4:30PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
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Conference Code: 426 158 5995
Notifying RTI of Intent to Propose: / In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI, at (512) 416-4730 or by February 27, 2015 if you plan to propose.
Proposal
Deadline: / Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, April 3, 2015. Email submissions should be sent to .
Project Statement 16-15