Real-Time Passenger Transport Information 2025-2029

Since the award of the Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) Framework in August 2017, and continuing from previous deployments in Hampshire, the RTPI system has expanded to handle direct links from bus operators’ tracking systems. These direct links provide the tracking data for the Central System to calculate and relay bus arrival times to 500 electronic displays (also procured and operated under the Framework) located at bus stations, bus stops and transport interchange hubs. At present, the resource is not there for replacing the physical displays with software such as mobile apps.

The system not only provides RTPI but integrates other multi modal transport information, including live train departure information, service disruption information and also provides RTPI to Traveline and other public transport journey planning websites and apps.

RTPI will continue to play a major role in providing live travel information to the travelling public, both through public transport infrastructure improvements and the digitalisation of services. Timely and accessible public transport information is seen as key to making public transport services commercially sustainable and, as a result, reducing the need for bus subsidy payment.

The current arrangement is a Single Supplier Framework (ET14040), due to expire on 30/09/2025. Historically spend has ranged between £900k and £3m for Hampshire County Council (HCC) over the Framework duration but has also been open to use by neighbouring Authorities such as Dorset County Council and West Sussex County Council. The Framework was advertised at up to £15m, £4m of that anticipated for HCC. The current anticipated spend between 2021-2025 under the existing Framework for HCC is around £3m, and around £14m for all contracting authorities combined.

A framework is procured for as and when funding becomes available, and so we can call-off to a supplier in a time and cost-efficient manner.

The latest iteration of this single-supplier framework has not been used on a mass scale; however it has made use of DfT’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) and schemes arising from the Government’s national plan to tackle roadside emissions and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution. TCF ended in March 2024. There is also BSIP funding for local authorities, the allocation for HCC for 2025-2026 is £14,087,588. Total combined bus funding allocations 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK This is anticipated to be sustained over the lifetime of the framework.

The Total Estimated Value of the new Framework will be in the region of £80m. This is inclusive of all the spend planned by around 10 Participating Authorities, £8m for HCC (10%), remainder from other Authorities.

Although a mix of both Supply and Services are involved, the majority of spend is in Services such as maintenance of displays. This is therefore an above-threshold procurement.