RATP Dev USA, a RATP Dev subsidiary, has been awarded three consecutive contracts in the United States: two new contracts, for the operation of “TheBus” transportation service in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and for the operation and maintenance of “The COMET” network in Columbia, South Carolina, as well as a contract renewal for the Camarillo bus network in California.
" We are very pleased to have been awarded these three calls-for-tenders. RATP Dev is once again proving how extensive and renowned its expertise is, while offering mobility services covering all transport modes. At RATP Dev, we are fully committed to providing safe and high-quality services in the U.S. and across our operations all over the world, offering to passengers the best transport mobility solutions."
Laurence Batlle
President of the Executive Board, RATP Dev
Operation of the 28 “TheBus” scheduled transport service routes for Prince George’s County
On 26 June 2020, RATP Dev USA was awarded the Prince George’s County contract, and will therefore operate the transport service, which will be available to over 900,000 residents in Maryland, north-east of Washington, D.C. RATP Dev USA will operate the county's “TheBus” transport service, which includes 28 scheduled bus routes. The initial term of this contract is five years, from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025. It includes a possible extension of three additional two-year periods. RATP Dev USA will provide “TheBus” with a turnkey service, directly overseeing the daily administration and management of scheduled routes in Prince George’s County. Presently, “TheBus” network covers over 16,000 km throughout the county with 78 peak-hour buses, wrapping around the eastern boundary of Washington D.C. in urban, suburban and rural areas.
Operation and maintenance of Columbia, South Carolina’s “The COMET” fixed route, flex route, and paratransit transport services
On 30 June 2020, RATP Dev USA was awarded a contract beginning on 1 July 2020 for the operation and maintenance of “The COMET” network, including the network’s scheduled bus routes (fixed route), demand-responsive transport (flex route), and transport services for people with disabilities and reduced mobility (paratransit). Over 130,000 residents will be able to experience travelling with RATP Dev USA. RATP Dev USA was awarded this contract for a five-year period, with additional three-year and two-year options, totalling ten years. RATP Dev USA will provide “The COMET” with a turnkey service, directly overseeing the operation and maintenance of approximately 175,000 service hours for scheduled routes, 15,000 service hours for demand-responsive transport, as well as 35,000 hours for transport services for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. The transport system operates in Richland and Lexington counties with 35 scheduled routes, five rural on-demand routes and complementary wheelchair-accessible van services. The network currently covers an area of 3,175 km2 in Richland and Lexington counties.
Operation of scheduled bus routes and maintenance services for the City of Camarillo
On 19 May 2020, the City of Camarillo, California, home to over 50,000 residents, renewed RATP Dev USA's contract for the operation and maintenance of transport services in order to continue operating scheduled bus routes and demand-responsive (“dial-a-ride”) transport services. The City of Camarillo selected RATP Dev to continue the partnership, dating back to 2015, through a nationwide call-for-tender process that awarded the contract based on best qualified and value procurement. The new contract will cover an initial three-year period, with the option to extend the contract for up to seven additional years. As part of RATP Dev USA’s acquisition of Roadrunner Management Services in 2018, Camarillo Area Transit (CAT) joins RATP Dev’s California operations alongside Santa Maria Area Transit, City of Lompoc, City of Solvang, and Ventura County Transportation Commission.