Technical Assistance Report Project Number: 48902 Capacity Development Technical Assistance (CDTA) May 2014 People’s Republic of China: Improving Clean Bus Operations and Management (Financed by the Global Environment Facility) This report contains information that is subject to exceptions to disclosure set forth in ADB's Public Communications Policy 2011. Recipients should therefore not disclose its contents to third parties, except in connection with the performance of their official duties. Upon Board The views ADB expressed hereinpublicly are those of the consultant and do version not necessarily approval, will make available an abbreviated of this represent report. those of ADB’s members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 5 March 2014) Currency unit – yuan (CNY) CNY1.00 = $ 0.1628 $1.00 = CNY6.14 ABBREVIATIONS ADB ASTUD CBL CDMF GEF ITS PRC STI TA – – – – – – – – – Asian Development Bank Asian Sustainable Transport and Urban Development clean bus leasing Clean Development Mechanism Fund Global Environment Facility information technology system People’s Republic of China Sustainable Transport Initiative technical assistance TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CLASSIFICATION Type Targeting classification Sector (subsectors) Themes (subthemes) – – Capacity development technical assistance (CDTA) General intervention – Climate change Location (impact) Partnership – – – Transport, and information and communication technology (urban transport, road transport, transport management and policies) Environmental sustainability (urban environmental improvement, global and regional transboundary environmental concerns, environmental policy and legislation); economic growth (widening access to markets and economic opportunities; knowledge, science, and technological capacities); social development (human development, other vulnerable groups); capacity development (institutional development; organizational development; client relations, network, and partnership development) Mitigation Rural (low), urban (high), national (high) Global Environment Facility – NOTE In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. Vice-President Director General Director L. Venkatachalam, Private Sector and Cofinancing Operations T. Freeland, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) C. Engstrom, Financial Institutions Division, PSOD Team leader Team members B. Huang, Investment Specialist, PSOD B. Dunn, Senior Environment Specialist, Regional and Sustainable Development Department (RSDD) C. Gin, Principal Counsel, Office of the General Counsel K. Sakamoto, Transport Economist, RSDD G. Xiao, Senior Project Officer (Transport), East Asia Department K. Zheng, Senior Investment Specialist, PSOD In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any The views expressed herein aretothose of the consultant not necessarily those of ADB’s designation of or reference a particular territoryand or do geographic arearepresent in this document, the members, Board of Directors, Management, staff, andany mayjudgments be preliminary in nature. Asian Development Bank does not intendorto make as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. ISSUES 1 III. THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE A. Impact and Outcome B. Methodology and Key Activities C. Cost and Financing D. Implementation Arrangements 2 2 2 4 4 IV. THE PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION 5 APPENDIXES 1. Design and Monitoring Framework 6 2. Cost Estimates and Financing Plan 9 3. Outline Terms of Reference for Consultants 10 I. INTRODUCTION 1. In Strategy 2020, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) identifies environmentally sustainable growth, including infrastructure and climate change, as a top development and operating priority.1 Consistent with the strategy, ADB’s Sustainable Transport Initiative (STI) is refocusing transport operations on sustainability. In line with these initiatives, the ADB Board of Directors approved the loan program for clean bus leasing (CBL) to provide an alternative financing mechanism to accelerate the adoption of clean bus technology for public transport operations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). 2 In this context, a “clean bus” is a bus that meets stringent emissions and energy-efficiency criteria, including buses running on cleaner fuel such as compressed or liquefied natural gas, and biomethane; other energy-efficient and newenergy buses such as hybrid, battery-only electric, and fuel-cell electric buses; and buses that meet the most advanced emission standards of Euro IV equivalent emissions or above.3 ADB is providing term loans to private sector financial leasing companies (up to a limit of $100 million per company and a total program limit of $275 million) for the specific purpose of leasing clean buses to public transport operators under financial leasing arrangements. The program is expected to finance the leasing of about 5,000 buses in at least 15 cities in the PRC by 2018, with at least 30% of the public transport operators located in less-developed inland or western provinces. 2. During the preparation of the CBL program, extensive consultation involved governments, bus leasing companies, and public transport operators in the PRC. This consultation revealed strong potential demand for the leasing of clean buses, and the need for technical assistance (TA) to ensure that the potential environmental, social, and economic benefits are fully achieved by public transport operators, especially those in smaller cities in less-developed inland or western provinces. The design and monitoring framework for the TA is in Appendix 1.4 II. ISSUES 3. Recent rapid growth in urban population and incomes in the PRC have led to high car ownership, congestion, and air pollution. Since 2006, the national and local governments have made the promotion of public transport a strategic priority and increased efforts to provide flexible, low-cost, efficient bus transport. Many cities have set ambitious targets for replacing and adding to existing bus fleets, and some have provided subsidies to bus operators to partly offset the high upfront capital costs of new vehicles. Local governments are promoting the adoption of clean bus technology as a more sustainable alternative for public transport operations. Recent severe air pollution events in northern PRC are adding greater urgency to the replacement of older diesel bus fleets and adoption of clean bus technology. 4. The CBL program will accelerate the deployment and diffusion of low emission and new energy buses, and help counteract the shift to private cars in urban areas by making public transport a more attractive alternative. However, buses will not necessarily be used in the most efficient way or the potential emission reductions and modal shifts fully realized and sustained. 1 2 3 4 ADB. 2008. Strategy 2020: The Long-Term Strategic Framework of the Asian Development Bank, 2008–2020. Manila. ADB. 2012. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors: Proposed Loan Program to the People’s Republic of China for Clean Bus Leasing. Manila. The vehicle emission standards in the PRC are similar to the European emission standards, which define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The TA first appeared in the business opportunities section of ADB’s website on 16 April 2014. 2 International studies indicate that poor driving and inadequate maintenance of buses can increase fuel consumption by an average of 10%–15%, and that poor selection of vehicle type and poor management of bus operations erodes potential savings. This means that if clean buses are not selected, managed, driven, and well maintained, then a significant amount of the potential benefits will likely be lost. 5. The TA will reinforce and enhance the impact of the CBL program by adding a focus on efficient selection, operation, and management of clean buses operating in urban areas. The TA is noted in the report and recommendation of the President for the CBL program (footnote 2), contingent on availability of financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). GEF financing was confirmed on 15 January 2014 as part of the Asian Sustainable Transport and Urban Development (ASTUD) program. The ASTUD program, which is administered by ADB and financed by the GEF, provides TA and investment support. 6. The TA will support the development of sustainable transport in the PRC (para. 1). It is fully in line with the priorities of ADB’s country partnership strategy, 2011–2015 for the PRC,5 in particular, with the strategy’s emphasis on mainstreaming climate change considerations and support for green finance. It supports finance sector development, one of the private sector operating focuses identified in the strategy. The TA also supports implementation of the PRC's Twelfth Five-Year Plan, 2011-2015, which accentuates resource conservation and environmental protection, and prioritizes improving energy efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, and developing cleaner and renewable energy.6 7. The TA fully supports ADB’s STI, which focuses on creating accessible, safe, affordable, and environment-friendly transport systems. According to the STI, ADB should focus on roles where it can significantly add value to sustainable transport activities. To optimize its contribution, ADB should design its operations to build on ADB-wide and international best practices in sustainable transport and channel financing to projects and activities where ADB involvement will result in increased sustainability. ADB assistance should help developing member countries overcome sector obstacles to wider adoption of sustainable transport. Based on these principles, urban transport is identified as an area in which ADB should scale up support for sustainability. III. A. THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Impact and Outcome 8. The impact of the TA will be that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of adopting clean bus technology in the PRC are maximized. The outcome of the TA will be improved selection, management, and operation of clean buses in the urban, suburban, and intercity public transport markets. B. Methodology and Key Activities 9. The TA components provide an integrated approach to supporting improved clean bus selection, operation, management, and continual improvement. 5 6 ADB. 2012. Country Partnership Strategy: People’s Republic of China, 2011–2015. Manila. Government of the People’s Republic of China, National Development and Reform Commission. 2011. Outline of Twelfth Five-Year Plan of National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China. Beijing. 3 10. Output 1: Guidebook for selecting a clean and accessible bus developed. A guidebook will be developed for selecting the right type of clean bus in terms of energy source (e.g., compressed natural gas, hybrid, electric), bus size (e.g., articulated, standard, smaller), and inclusive access design characteristics (e.g., low floor, wheelchair accessible, high-visibility handrails) for the required operating conditions (e.g., bus rapid transit (BRT), feeder and general services, different urban forms, congestion, terrain, climate). In this context, “right” means achieving the joint goals of minimizing the energy intensity of bus operations, while maximizing inclusive access to public transport and the number of passengers using public transport. The guidebook will be based on detailed analysis of recent national and international research on the in-service performance of different types of clean bus technology, and on existing guidance materials, notably the Bus Rapid Transit Planning Guide.7 11. Output 2: Knowledge materials for energy-efficient, inclusive, and competitive bus operations developed. The component directly complements and extends output 1. It moves the focus from selecting the right clean bus to operating that bus (and fleet of buses) in the most effective way to achieve the dual goals of maximizing the energy efficiency of bus operations, while maximizing the number of passengers using public transport. A series of practical guidebooks, manuals, checklists, and training materials will be developed for implementing actions aimed at: (i) reducing energy consumption emissions through improved bus driving, maintenance, and fleet management; (ii) ensuring that public transport is a competitive alternative to private vehicles by better matching bus services and access to the needs of the travel market; and (iii) promoting safe, secure, and inclusive access to public transport through inclusive access design features and training for drivers and conductors on the special needs of women and vulnerable groups, such as the disabled and elderly. These management tools will draw on international experience, available research findings, and the outcomes of GEF research and projects; and will be specifically tailored to bus operating conditions experienced in the PRC (allowing for regional differences) and to the needs of public transport operators in the PRC. 12. Output 3: Systems for energy-efficient bus operations supported. The TA will support initiatives to embed the management tools developed in output 2 into bus company information technology systems (ITSs). Effective use of these management tools requires up-todate and readily accessible data on operations about the day-to-day performance of the bus system in terms of technical performance (e.g., fuel consumption, bus utilization) and competitiveness (e.g., bus passengers, service coverage), as well as tools for data management and analysis. Consultation undertaken for the CBL program found that many public transport operators in the PRC are developing some form of computerized ITS to manage finances and operations, or have plans to do so in the very near future. The component will assist with expanding the capability of these bus management ITSs to include data management, analytical, and decision support tools that underpin implementation of energyefficient, inclusive, and competitive bus operations. The systems will take data coming from onboard, ticketing, depots, and other sources, and convert it into management information (i.e., operations and patronage performance indicators). This will enable bus operations managers to set and monitor appropriate energy-efficiency and patronage targets; set exception triggers; and respond if particular buses, drivers, facilities, or routes are performing below expectations. In particular, this component will (i) develop the functional specification for an ITS module that integrates these tools into bus company ITSs; and (ii) design and implement a program of small 7 Wright, L. and Hook, W. 2007. Bus Rapid Transit Planning Guide. New York: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. 4 grants to bus companies (average around $50,000 for around 15 bus companies) to support the incremental cost of implementing the module into their own ITS. 13. Output 4: Clean bus performance monitoring program implemented. A program for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the actual fuel and energy performance of as many as possible of the buses leased under the CBL program will be developed. The results will be of broad interest and substantial value for bus operators in the PRC and elsewhere in Asia and the Pacific, and for researchers evaluating the actual performance of clean buses under different operating conditions. The results will be broadly disseminated through professional and industry media, and the information resources will be fed into the ADB–STI knowledge sharing network and provided to the GEF (output 5). In addition, the results will be used to update the guidebooks (outputs 1 and 2) and refine the information management tools (output 3). 14. Output 5: Awareness, training, and knowledge-sharing program developed. To maximize the impact of the CBL program and of the information resources and systems developed by this TA, the component will be a focal point for coordinating and delivering activities to develop awareness and visibility; offer initial training for some systems; and share the knowledge within the PRC public transport subsector and bus industry. It will involve a program of workshops; demonstrations and practical training sessions; a study tour to familiarize key stakeholders with best practice selection and operation of clean buses; and establishment of a knowledge-sharing network that interfaces with the PRC public transport operators and more broadly though the ADB STI, the ASTUD, the GEF and other international networks. 15. Output 6: Project management. A small project management team comprising a project coordinator and support staff will be established in the offices of the executing agency, the PRC’s Clean Development Mechanism Fund (CDMF). The component will support the incremental costs of management and coordination of project implementation, knowledge sharing, monitoring and evaluation, and preparation of progress and financial reports. C. Cost and Financing 16. The TA is estimated to cost $2,315,000, which will be financed on a grant basis by the Global Environment Facility and administered by ADB. The cost estimates and financing plan are provided in Appendix 2. The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office accommodation, office supplies, secretarial assistance, and other inkind contributions. D. Implementation Arrangements 17. The CDMF will be the executing agency. It will establish a small project management team to oversee the management and coordination of project activities, and maintain information exchange with the government and the consultant teams. The CDMF has a key climate change mitigation role in the PRC. It supports domestic climate change-related research and TA programs, and leverages public and private financing to scale-up climate change mitigation efforts. ADB was involved in establishing the CDMF and has provided TA to build the capacity of CDMF staff. 18. The TA is expected to be implemented from May 2014 to December 2016. It will require national consulting inputs of 81 person-months and international consulting inputs of 16 personmonths. Outline terms of reference and details of the range of consultant skills required are 5 provided in Appendix 3. Consulting inputs will be required from both firms and individuals under quality- and cost-based selection with a quality–cost ratio of 80:20. ADB will engage all consultants in accordance with its Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2013, as amended from time to time). Equipment procured under the TA will follow the Procurement Guidelines (2013, as amended from time to time) and the assets will be handed over to the CDMF upon TA completion. Disbursements under the TA will be in accordance with ADB’s Technical Assistance Disbursement Handbook (2010, as amended from time to time). 19. The TA includes the establishment of a small grants scheme to provide grants of around $50,000 to each selected bus company to support the integration of data management, analytical, and decision support tools for energy-efficient, inclusive, and competitive bus operations into their own ITS (output 3). The small grants scheme will be designed and managed by the selected consultancy firm with a designated grant manager. The roles and duties of the grant manager will include drawing up the approval criteria and legal agreements; assessing the small grant application in collaboration with the CDMF; monitoring implementation against criteria, milestones, and compliance requirements; and managing finances and overseeing disbursement. The CDMF will play a supervisory role in the consultants’ management of the small grants scheme. It will approve all disbursements by the consultants to the bus operators, and will ensure that the consultant maintains proper accounting records and complies with sound financial management principles.8 Management of the small grants scheme will follow ADB guidelines on financial management. 20. The TA specifically includes mechanisms for disseminating the expected outputs and outcome evaluation. Output 5 will establish knowledge-sharing networks with bus operators and more broadly though the CBL program, ADB STI, the ASTUD, the GEF, and other international networks. The consultants will manage the budgets for training and knowledge-sharing activities using ADB guidelines on finance management and the terms of the consultancy contract. IV. THE PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION 21. The President recommends that the Board approve ADB administering technical assistance not exceeding the equivalent of $2,315,000 to the People’s Republic of China to be financed on a grant basis by the Global Environment Facility for Improving Clean Bus Operations and Management. 8 Advance payments for the small grants will be provided to the consultants according to the terms of the consultancy contract. 6 Appendix 1 DESIGN AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK Design Summary Impact The environmental, social, and economic benefits of adopting clean bus technology in the PRC are maximized Outcome Improved selection, management, and operation of clean buses in urban, suburban, and intercity public transport markets Outputs 1. Guidebook for selecting a clean and accessible bus developed Performance Targets and Indicators with Baselines Data Sources and Reporting Mechanisms GHG savings (1.31 million tons per year by 2019) projected for the CBL program are achieved CBL program progress reports A total of 15 bus companies participating in the CBL program adopt improved processes for selecting, managing, and operating clean buses by 2016 CBL program progress reports Awareness of clean bus management tools and knowledge products in the PRC public transport market increased based on survey results Project progress reports Criteria developed for improved selection of clean bus type (technology, size, energy source) and tested in two to three cities by 2015 Consultant’s report Project progress reports Assumptions and Risks Assumptions The PRC government continues its strong policy support for public transport. The central and local governments continue to provide support for clean bus deployment. Risks Government lowers or discontinues subsidies for hybrid and electric buses. A sharp slowdown in the PRC economy impacts the growth of the leasing industry. Assumption Energy efficiency, lifecycle costs, and emissions are key priorities for bus companies in selecting a bus type. Risk External factors drive up the cost of some types of clean buses and price dominates other decision factors. Assumption Consultants are able to find relevant, accurate data and information on which to base the guidebook Guidebook and associated online tools developed and made available to bus companies in the PRC by 2015 2. Knowledge materials for energy-efficient, Guidebooks, manuals, checklists, and training materials developed for Consultant’s report Assumption Consultants are able to find relevant, accurate data and information on Appendix 1 Design Summary inclusive, and competitive bus operations developed 3. Systems for energy-efficient bus operations supported Performance Targets and Indicators with Baselines reducing energy consumption and emissions by 2015 Data Sources and Reporting Mechanisms Assumptions and Risks which to base the knowledge materials Supporting data management, analytical and decision support tools integrated into bus company ITSs by 2015 Small grants disbursement reports Project progress reports Risk Rate of adoption of bus management ITSs by small bus companies is slower than expected. 4. Clean bus performance monitoring program implemented Clean bus monitoring programs become operational by 2016 Technical reports, tools, and other knowledge products shared Risk Bus companies unwilling to provide information on bus performance. 5. Awareness, training, and knowledge-sharing program developed Four workshops held to raise awareness on clean bus technology and energy-efficient, inclusive, and competitive operations by 2016 Workshop attendance Study tour completion report Project progress reports Assumption Bus companies are receptive to new ideas and willing to share knowledge and experiences of clean bus operation. Study tour developed to build awareness on best practice clean bus selection and operation by 2016 Knowledge-sharing networks established with the PRC bus industry, and with ADB, the GEF, and others by 2016 6. Project management 7 Project management team established and effective by 2014 Project progress reports Assumption Candidates with required expertise are available 8 Appendix 1 Activities with Milestones Inputs Output 1 Global Environment Facility: $2.315 million 1.1 Consultants recruited by Q3 2014 Note: The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office accommodation, office supplies, secretarial assistance, and other in-kind contributions. 1.2 Research and consultations with bus operators conducted Output 2 2.1 Consultants recruited by Q3 2014 2.2 Research and consultations with bus operators conducted Output 3 3.1 Functional specification developed for integrating supporting data management, analytical and decision support tools into bus company ITSs by 2015 3.2 Small grants scheme for integrating energyefficiency modules into bus company ITSs established by 2015 3.3 Small grants disbursed to 15 bus operators by 2016 Output 4 4.1 Program for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the actual fuel and energy performance of clean buses developed by 2015 Output 5 5.1 Awareness and knowledge-sharing activities started by the end of 2014 5.2 Package of materials for energy-efficient operation of clean buses and supporting ITSs developed by 2016 Output 6 6.1 Candidates for project management team interviewed by Q2 2014 ADB = Asian Development Bank, CBL = clean bus leasing, GEF = Global Environment Facility, GHG = greenhouse gas, ITS = information technology system, PRC = People’s Republic of China. Source: Asian Development Bank. Appendix 2 9 COST ESTIMATES AND FINANCING PLAN ($'000) Item Amount Global Environment Facility a 1. Consultants a. Remuneration and per diem i. International consultants ii. National consultants b. International and local travels c. Reports and communications 2. Equipmentb 3. Training, seminars, and conferences 4. Surveys 5. Small grants scheme 6. Miscellaneous administration and support costsc 7. Contingencies Total 323.0 686.4 68.0 41.0 17.0 275.0 10.0 750.0 42.0 102.6 2,315.0 Note: The technical assistance (TA) is estimated to cost $3.015 million of which contributions from the Global Environment Facility are presented in the table above. The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office accommodation, office supplies, secretarial assistance, and other in-kind contributions. The value of government contribution is estimated to account for 23% of the total TA cost. a Administered by the Asian Development Bank. b Computers and other office equipment to be procured will follow the Asian Development Bank’s Procurement Guidelines (2013, as amended from time to time). The equipment purchased will be turned over to the executing agency upon TA completion. c Expenses as permitted under the Asian Development Bank’s Technical Assistance Disbursement Handbook (2010, as amended from time to time). Source: Asian Development Bank estimates. 10 Appendix 3 OUTLINE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANTS 1. The technical assistance (TA) requires a range of consultancy inputs to implement specific subprojects. Individual consultants will be retained for some activities, but where activities would best be packaged and managed independently, consulting firms may be retained. A. Output 1: Guidebook for Selecting a Clean and Accessible Bus Developed 2. Bus technology and operations adviser (international, 3 person-months) and research and data analyst, bus technology and operations specialist, and web designer (national, 8 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Assemble and review the most recent national and international information (published and unpublished) on the in-service fuel and emissions performance of different types of clean bus technology and energy sources under a range of operating conditions. (ii) Analyze the information to extract key findings on factors that affect in-service performance under different operating conditions, including the impact of maintenance and driving habits. (iii) Distil these findings into practical rules and recommendations that are appropriate for use by bus operators as a practical decision support system in selecting the best type of clean bus technology for their local conditions. (iv) Develop, test, and refine a clean bus guidebook that can be implemented in printed and online format. (v) Prepare the guidebook in Mandarin in printed and online form for broad dissemination to the bus industry of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). (vi) Participate in knowledge-sharing and training activities under output 5. 3. The international bus technology and operations adviser will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, a minimum of 15 years practical experience in the bus industry; previous experience in the PRC; Mandarin language skills; broad practical experience with a range of clean bus technologies; and established contacts with bus operators in several countries, such as in Europe and/or South America. 4. The national bus technology and operations adviser will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, a minimum of 10 years practical experience in the PRC bus industry, broad practical experience with a range of clean bus technologies, and established contacts with major bus operators in several provinces of the PRC. 5. The national research and data analyst will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or other relevant field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant postuniversity experience; must be able to demonstrate strong research skills, and the ability to consolidate, analyze, interpret, and document research results. 6. The national web designer should have a degree in information technology or a related field, and more than 5 years of experience in designing and establishing interactive web sites. All national consultants should preferably have good spoken and written English language skills. Appendix 3 11 B. Output 2: Knowledge Materials for Energy-Efficient, Inclusive, and Competitive Bus Operations Developed 7. Bus management and operations specialist, transit planner (international, 9 person-months) and bus management specialist, bus operations specialist, transit planner, social specialist, and editor (national, 28 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Assemble and review recent national and international guidance materials on energy-efficient, inclusive, and competitive bus operations. (ii) Identify two to three bus companies that are (a) participating in the clean bus leasing (CBL) program, and (b) willing to participate as development and demonstration sites for the materials to be developed under this output. (iii) Prepare a design concept for an integrated package of guidebooks, manuals, checklists, and training materials. (iv) Prepare trial versions of the guidance and training materials, and test and refine the materials in collaboration with the demonstration sites to maximize their effectiveness, especially for smaller bus companies with limited technical resources and previous exposure to these concepts. (v) Prepare high-quality final versions of the materials in Mandarin, in printed and online form for broad dissemination to the PRC bus industry. (vi) Participate in knowledge-sharing and training activities under output 5. 8. The international specialists will preferably have a master’s degree in engineering, transport planning, or a related field; a minimum of 20 years practical experience in bus system planning, management, and/or operations; previous experience in the PRC; and Mandarin language skills. The national bus management, bus operations, and transit planning specialists will preferably have a master’s degree in engineering, transport planning, or a related field; a minimum of 10 years practical experience in the PRC bus system planning, management, and/or operations; and established contacts with major bus operators in several provinces of the PRC. The national social specialist will preferably have a master’s degree in social science or other relevant field; a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in assessing social implications of transport projects in several provinces in the PRC; and prior experience with bus transit projects. The national editor should have a degree in professional writing, journalism, or other related field; and preferably more than 5 years of experience in designing and editing professional training materials in Mandarin. All national consultants should preferably have good spoken and written English language skills. C. Output 3: Systems for Energy-Efficient Bus Operations Supported 9. Bus operations specialist (international, 1 person-month), financial specialist (grant management) (international, 1 person-month), and bus operations specialist, financial specialist, and systems analyst and software developer (national, 18 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Identify up to 15 bus companies that (a) are participating in the CBL program; (b) have or are in the process of implementing a bus management information technology system (ITS); and (c) are willing to participate as development and demonstration sites for the energy-efficiency modules to be supported under this output. (ii) Review the specifications and capabilities of the bus management ITSs being used or implemented by these bus companies, and generic bus management systems currently available in the PRC. 12 Appendix 3 (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Review the guidebooks, manuals, checklists, and training materials prepared under output 2, and in collaboration with the output 2 consultants and participating bus companies, identify opportunities for integrating these tools into an energy-efficiency module that links with the bus management ITSs. Prepare the functional specifications for this energy-efficiency information technology module and its integration with bus management ITSs—the functional specification should provide sufficient detail to guide information technology developers engaged by bus companies to implement the module and provide consistency across bus companies in terms of core capabilities, but be sufficiently general to be able to be implemented under a wide range of local information technology environments. Design proposed supporting systems for the small grants scheme. The fund is to provide grants of around $50,000 per bus company to support the incremental cost of implementing the energy-efficiency module into their own ITS (the design should be developed in close collaboration with the execuring agency, and cover eligibility criteria, performance targets, legal agreements, and financial management and reporting requirements). Manage the small grants application, screening, and selection process; and monitor implementation progress in collaboration with the executing agency. Manage financial aspects of the small grants scheme, including accounting and disbursement of grants following the guidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on financial management, and prepare financial reports as required by ADB and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Participate in knowledge-sharing and training activities under output 5. 10. The international bus operations specialist will preferably have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field; a minimum of 15 years practical experience in the bus industry; previous experience in the PRC; Mandarin language skills; broad international experience of bus management ITSs; and established contacts with bus operators in several countries, e.g., in Europe and/or South America. The international financial specialist (grant management) must be a graduate of accounting, finance, or a related field; hold an internationally recognized accounting certification; have previous experience in the PRC; and have a minimum of 12 years of experience, including designing small grants schemes and operating procedures. The national bus operations specialist will preferably have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field, a minimum of 10 years practical experience in the PRC bus industry, broad practical experience with ITSs currently used by bus companies in the PRC, and established contacts with major bus operators in several provinces. The national systems analyst and software developer should have a degree in information technology or other related field, and more than 8 years of experience in the design and specification of ITSs for business management. The national financial specialist must be a graduate of accounting, finance, or a related field, hold an internationally recognized accounting certification, and have a minimum of 8 years of experience. All national consultants should preferably have good spoken and written English language skills. D. Output 4: Clean Bus Performance Monitoring Program Implemented 11. Bus operations and management specialist (international, 1 person-month), and bus operations specialist, data analyst, and editor (national, 11 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Develop an understanding of operating procedures and bus management ITSs of bus companies participating in the CBL program. Appendix 3 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) 13 Design a fuel and energy consumption data collection system, consistent with the systems and capabilities of bus companies participating in the CBL program (the system should be integrated with the information management tools to be developed and deployed under output 4, or be based on a simple survey and data recording form that records bus technology and performance data already collected by bus companies). Design and establish databases for recording and analyzing bus performance data. Collate, conduct quality control, and record data provided by bus companies. Analyze the in-service performance data to extract key performance indicators, trends, and relationships. Prepare interim and final reports summarizing the findings and make these reports broadly available to the PRC bus industry and through knowledgesharing networks, such as the ADB–Sustainable Transport Initiative knowledgesharing network, the GEF, and Clean Air Asia. Document and optimize the databases and make them broadly available in standard formats to the sustainable transport and scientific community. 12. The international bus operations and management specialist will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, a minimum of 15 years practical experience in the bus industry, previous experience in the PRC, Mandarin language skills, and broad practical experience with a range of clean bus technologies and factors affecting clean bus performance. The national bus operations specialist will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, a minimum of 10 years practical experience in the PRC bus industry, broad practical experience with a range of clean bus technologies, and established contacts with major bus operators in several provinces of the PRC. The national data analyst will preferably have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or other relevant field; a minimum of 8 years of relevant post-university experience; be able to demonstrate strong research skills and the ability to design a data collection and database system; and analyze, interpret, and document results from the bus performance monitoring program. The national editor should have a degree in professional writing or other related field, and preferably more than 5 years of experience in designing and editing professional publications in Mandarin. All national consultants should preferably have good spoken and written English language skills. E. Output 5: Awareness, Training, and Knowledge-Sharing Program Developed 13. Knowledge management adviser (international, 1 person-month) and knowledge management specialist, and event management specialist (national, 6 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Design and organize workshops at central locations in the north and south of the PRC (two invited workshops) to raise awareness in city governments and the bus industry of the CBL concept, the need for correct selection of clean buses, the importance of energy-efficient bus operations, and the information management and decision making tools to be developed under the TA. (ii) Design and organize follow-up workshops and associated training sessions to launch and demonstrate management tools developed under outputs 1, 2, and 3; and deliver practical training sessions on how to use the tools most effectively. (iii) Design and organize an international study tour to familiarize city representatives of local finance bureaus responsible for clean bus subsidies, bus companies, and financial leasing companies with best practice for clean bus selection, leasing, and operation. 14 Appendix 3 (iv) Design and implement a knowledge-sharing program linking with the PRC bus industry, ADB, and Asian sustainable transport and urban development knowledge-sharing networks, and more broadly with external partners, including the GEF—this will include promoting energy-efficient clean bus operations and the lessons and materials emerging from this TA through online networks (including a web portal to be maintained by the executing agency), published articles and papers, and bus industry forums. 14. The international knowledge management adviser should preferably have a master’s degree in a relevant academic field, more than 10 years of experience in designing and implementing knowledge-sharing programs, and established international contacts with relevant regional and global knowledge-sharing networks in the transport sector. The national knowledge management specialist should preferably have a master’s degree in a relevant academic field; more than 8 years of experience in designing and implementing knowledge-sharing programs in the PRC; and established contacts with relevant industry and government knowledge-sharing mechanisms and networks in the PRC, preferably including the bus industry. The event management specialist should have a minimum of 5 years of practical experience in organizing industry events and workshops in the PRC. All national consultants should preferably have good spoken and written English language skills. F. Output 6: Project Management 15. Project coordinator and administrative assistant (national, 10 person-months). The consultants will perform the following: (i) Coordinate and monitor the project, establish project databases, and maintain records. (ii) Prepare and update an overall work plan and budget in consultation with the TA supervising unit. (iii) Facilitate linkages between the project and the wider activities of ADB, the Government of the PRC, and the GEF. (iv) Facilitate engagement of external partners with the TA activities. (v) Help other subproject teams with coordination and liaison of activities. (vi) Coordinate activities between subprojects and any TA activities. (vii) Assist in engaging, managing, and evaluating consultants as required. (viii) Organize and participate in meetings (e.g., steering committee), workshops, and trainings. (ix) Review consultant outputs and make recommendations for action as necessary. (x) Prepare progress reports, briefing notes, correspondence, and other documents that may be required by ADB, the GEF, and partners. 16. The project coordinator should preferably have a master’s degree in business management or other relevant academic field, more than 12 years of experience in project and/or program management, strong coordination and facilitation skills, prior experience with ADB procedures, and good spoken and written English language skills. The administrative assistant will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in office management, preferably experience in working with ADB procedures, and English language skills.