Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Chief Innovation Officer to enter into a professional services agreement with Central Ohio Transit Authority, hereafter referenced as COTA, in an amount of up to $144,900.00 to provide integration into Multimodal Trip Planning and Common Payment System and other professional services as necessary. Work includes, but is not limited to, development and software services using Genfare or a software development company of COTA’s choosing.
The Smart City Challenge is a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant program seeking to “create a fully integrated, first-of-its kind city that uses data, technology and creativity to shape how people and goods move in the future.” In 2016, the City of Columbus, acting through the Department of Public Service, applied for and won the Smart City Challenge, receiving a $40 million dollar grant from USDOT and a $10 million grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (Vulcan).
As part of Columbus’ overall response to the Smart City Challenge, efforts were focused on a system that will provide travelers with a single, common payment platform, known as the Common Payment System (CPS) that integrates with the Multimodal Trip Planner Application (MMTPA), The benefits of providing travelers with a centralized, account-based payment system, are increased convenience and customer satisfaction, as well as improved access to mobility options through integration with transportation providers. Travelers will be able to fund accounts using a variety of payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and cash via pre-paid debit cards or COTA Smartcards. Users will be able to reload CPS accounts via COTA’s ticket vending machines and point of sale retailers.
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against COTA.
Due to the nature of the USDOT and Vulcan grant reimbursements, professional suppo...
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