SPI Insights

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is inviting vendors to a virtual pre-proposal conference at 1 p.m. January 12, 2021, as it prepares to assess and short-list Automated Transportation System (ATS) technologies.

NCTCOG aims to gather input on ATS compatibility with regional goals.

In addition, it plans to develop modular infrastructure designs and guidelines and evaluate incorporation of vehicle charging technologies within guideway pavement to serve future ATS needs.

The project will encompass operating environments of freight movement and people movers that involve rubber-tired ATS technologies that rely neither on rail systems for propulsion nor on guideways for navigation.

Another objective is to develop performance guidelines for modular infrastructure that will support freight movement and people movers. NCTCOG desires solutions that are flexible enough to adapt to changing mobility technologies under current ROW constraints, safely and effectively. The council’s intent for modular infrastructure is to overcome these limitations by developing a cost-effective infrastructure solution that is easily replicable and readily deployable.

The final task for vendors is a technology evaluation initiative. Rather than requiring the vehicles within the ATS to leave their routes or devote land to placement of conventional chargers, this project seeks to utilize wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging.

Proposals will be due by 5 p.m. CDT on February 5, 2021. NCTCOG anticipates execution of a contract and authorization to proceed for this project in May 2021.