Title
Resolution Authorizing Agreement to Establish a Shared Micromobility Service Operator in the City of Greensboro with Blue Duck Express, Inc. or Spin (Skinny Labs, Inc.)
Body
Council Priority: Maintain Infrastructure and Provide Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Department: Transportation
Council District: Citywide
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Hanna Cockburn, 373-2861
Contact 2 and Phone: Tyler Meyer, 373-2254
PURPOSE:
A resolution is needed to approve an agreement to authorize a shared micromobility service operator in the City of Greensboro.
BACKGROUND:
Following a two year micromobility pilot, in October 2020 the Department of Transportation issued an RFP for selection of a new shared micromobility operator within the City of Greensboro. Services will include standup electric scooters & electric assist bikes. Six vendors submitted responsive proposals. With input from partners at UNCG and NCA&T, City staff evaluated the proposals using the criteria and process specified in the RFP. Two finalists were selected: Blue Duck Express Inc., and Spin (Skinny Labs, Inc.). With equal evaluation scores, the evaluation committee conducted a further review resulting in preference given to Blue Duck based on their proposal’s strengths in approach to equity, identified service area boundaries and first mile-last mile transit trip coordination.
Based on the findings of this evaluation process, the Transportation Department recommends approval of an agreement with Blue Duck Express, Inc. to serve as the primary micromobility provider licensed to operate within the City of Greensboro for a period of two years effective February 1, 2021. The agreement provides for two, one-year extensions at the discretion of the City. The Transportation Department further recommends the option to execute an agreement with Spin (Skinny Labs, Inc.) if negotiations with Blue Duck fail to yield an acceptable agreement.
The agreement establishes a range of requirements for the operator including start-up and annual permitting fees, vehicle types, fleet size, fleet distribution and rebalancing standards, user outreach, customer service, safety, parking and geofencing provisions for areas restricted from shared micromobility vehicle access. Once an agreement is executed, the Transportation Director will issue a permit allowing the selected provider to commence operations effective February 1, 2021.
The MWBE Office has reviewed this agreement. The City is not paying for services under this agreement and therefore no MWBE memo or waiver is required.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The vendor will pay an initial permit fee of $1,750 and a $1,000 annual permit renewal fee each year thereafter. The vendor will also pay a fee of fifteen cents per trip. No City funds are required.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Transportation Department recommends and requests approval of the attached resolution establishing a Shared Micromobility Service Provider for the City of Greensboro effective February 1, 2021.