King County Metro has taken a new step this week toward improving the Access paratransit service that we provide to qualifying riders who cannot ride fixed-route bus service.
After evaluating proposals submitted in response to our “Requests for Proposals” (RFP) for paratransit services, Metro has begun negotiations with MV Transit for a new five-year contract that is scheduled to go into effect this summer.
This comes as a result of a lengthy RFP process Metro used to ensure that Access service has a stronger focus on performance, accountability, equity and social justice, customer service and continuous improvement – and addresses King County Auditor recommendations and customer concerns.
Once negotiations are completed, King County will begin the transition from the current three-contractor model to a single-contractor model.
The new Access contract will improve service.
As noted in the amended RFP, we included a new focus on both pick-up and drop-off windows to provide an improved customer experience. We also included financial disincentives when service runs late, and when the trip takes much more time than comparable fixed route transit service.
Potential contractors were also asked in the RFP to be innovative and provide better outreach to non-English speaking customers.
Metro will be moving customer service in-house for Access as well, a move that increases accountability and connects Metro better with its customers.
Many of these changes were made in response to the feedback we got from customers, their caregivers and community organizations at multiple workgroup sessions that Metro held in the past year.
Each year the Access program helps transport more than one million passengers with disabilities. Metro is committed to ensuring a smooth transition that maintains quality Access service for our customers during this period.
We will share updates as they become available.
Why is Metro having issues with the new contractor so soon? I know I will get no answer.
Hey Metro, anyone paying attention to the recruitment by MV. 1/2 of the Call Center is being subbed out. Most of the rest are not getting answers to valid questions. To Access riders I suggest you get things in order with appointments before the Nov. 1st hand over to MV. It will be a hot mess. Good luck!
Until king county don’t find who misuse service, take disadvantage or service, take time to get in vehicle and take action against them. Regardless how we complain or how county spend money services be same for us rider who needs acress to live. Who ever get contract it be same for us riders.
King County Metro please do something things are getting ugly
Well if mv does get the contract that will be a problem – I heard they were the highest bidder !! And asked for more money after tne fact !!! This Doesn’t sound good or smart ???? Hello And why does this contract take 3 years to do – once again – tne king county council needs to me accountable , and metro – hey tax payers this is your money !!! Why are they going after tne most expensive bidder !!!! Hello
Perhaps maybe they want the job done right don’t we all know that you get what you pay for
Get your act together king county please
Whoever gets the contract should not be allowed to subcontract it out to other third-party groups. If an agency can’t handle it by themselves they should get out of the way…
No matter how ya cut it – spt will be considered a sub – and third party in any contract
Both First Transit and Transdev have filed protests. No reply from Metro.
King County Metro and transdev and MV and First Transit are leaving an awful lot of folks hanging not just driver’s dispatchers Etc but Riders as well has there been any update on the new contract
What the hell is going on – this whole process is a joke – it’s been three years for us – the king county council
And metro need to get there stuff together
There are questions of MV being preferred for reasons that should be investigated by an independent auditor.
I think I’ll contact channel 4 , and connir Thompson and let her know how our – tax dollars are being spent !! And tne mess that’s goin on
Get Jesse!
Whose ever in charge of this at metro should step down – and tne king county council this is a joke and a emberessemt.
The bid MV proposed is out there. Other proposers are looking at it and there is a time other proposers can protest. If there are protest then everything will be delayed. If not then a formal announcement will be made soon.
January 23, 2019 Sarah Rupp you stated that you would be able to provide additional information yet none has been given …..
What is the status of the contract now? Its been months since an update was given to the public. It’s mid March and no word, not looking too promising.
There are employee’s careers/jobs hanging in the balance because nobody knows anything/isn’t saying anything. Not looking good for all parties involved…
Weren’t the negotiation supposed to be complete by the end of January – or Metro would speak to other bidders? What happened?
One would think the rate that MV is seeking applicants for various positions they pretty much have the contract. But nothing has officially been announced yet…
Will current employees with decades of experience be seeing significant cuts in pay? That could cause a mass exodus and create a “brain drain” for the new company. Interestingly, MV lost their provider contract in 2008. What improvements have they shown which gave them the new and significantly larger contract? Many Access riders have questions and concerns.
Mr. X and mahanidra: We understand that current employees and Access riders have questions and concerns. However, there are limits to what we can communicate while a procurement process is ongoing. We expect to have negotiations wrapped up in the coming weeks and will be able to provide additional information then.
Why is Solid Ground not a part of the negotiations? Are they getting special considerstions/treatments from the county?
what about transdev
Will the current dispatchers, call takers, and drivers will lose their jobs? Please respond back.
Mimi: Because our current contract staff play such a vital role in the delivery of service, we asked that the company’s proposal include a plan to engage current employees in an effort to provide opportunities for continued employment under the new contract.
C Cain
January 4, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Is the RFP available for viewing?
I guess I was not clear. Is the bid that MV submitted viewable?
C Cain: There are limits to what we can communicate while a procurement process is ongoing. We’re unable to release any proposer bids at this time.
Status of procurement process?
If this is contracted with a NON UNION company I oppose it Access Drivers need a UNION. please clarify what’s going on.
Hello Sarah, I see your response to C Cain, but I don’t see an active link. I also would like to see the RFP. I also can be contacted at pbrady.finsec@atu587.org
Thank you.
Hi Patrick, here is the full link to the RFP: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/detail.aspx?bidid=3460 After clicking on the link, select “Enter site as a Guest” and you will be directed to the right page.
Is the RFP available for viewing?
Yes, here is a link to the RFP.