Feasibility and Impacts of Fare-Free Transit Evaluating Service for Advancing Sustainable, Equitable Mobility Solutions

The Tulare County Association of Governments, located in Visalia, California, is seeking a vendor to evaluate the feasibility and impacts of fare-free transit. This initiative aims to determine whether fare-free local public transit can be implemented without harming the financial viability of local transit operations. The agency wants to identify potential benefits of fare-free transit to underserved communities and establish an implementation strategy if the transition is determined to be feasible. The scope of work covers fare collection, ridership, and formula funding analysis. The selected vendor must conduct public outreach workshops in conjunction with stakeholders to represent a wide range of interests and views. Additionally, the project requires the formation of an advisory committee, facilitation of committee meetings, and the development of both a draft and final plan for board review and approval. The agency is contracting for a period of one year, and the performance of the work will take place offsite. Eligibility is restricted to onshore organizations based in the United States. The agency has not disclosed a specific budget and is looking for proposals to define the cost. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than June 26, 2026.