Form
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
ProjStat
Research Project Statement 16-15
FY16 Annual Program
Title:
Using Public Transportation to Facilitate Last Mile Package Delivery
The Problem:
Texas serves as a major hub for goods movement in North America. Texas must fully utilize its multimodal
transportation system to move goods in the most effective manner. (TxDOT, Move Texas Freight). As
internet shopping increases the demand for package delivery, there is a need for more efficient “last mile”
delivery of goods in rural areas. Historically, intercity bus operators provided package delivery. However,
intercity bus companies have closed many routes through the most rural areas of the state. There are
37rural transit districts in Texas that operate in multiple counties across the state. All rural counties (except
Newton and Chambers Counties in southeast Texas) are served by a rural transit district (Statewide LongRange Transportation Plan 2035). Research is needed to address gaps in package delivery that may be
served by rural transit providers in Texas.
Technical
Objectives:
The research team will conduct state of the industry research to answer the following questions.

What rural transit districts currently provide package delivery for a fee?

What is the demand? What revenues are generated?

Is there demand/capacity for more package delivery on public transportation?

What is peer state experience?

What are the considerations re: size, weight, content, etc? When is this concept viable?

How much revenue could be generated? Are the revenues eligible as local match for federal
grants?

What are the benefits and potential issues?

Will there be competition with commercial package delivery companies?

What are regulatory and legal issues to address?
In addition, the research team will convene a group of rural transportation providers to discuss the
opportunities and challenges to determine how public transportation can facilitate last mile package
delivery.
Ultimately, researchers will develop a final report that documents guidance for last mile package delivery by
public transportation, including a discussion of lessons learned and best practices. Researchers will also
develop guidance for TxDOT’s role in goods movement moved by public transportation.
Desired
Deliverables:
The proposed research will include the following deliverables:
•
Synthesis of the current state of the practice
•
Guidance for state-funded and rural transit districts to provide last mile package delivery
•
Pilot projects to demonstrate how public transportation can facilitate last mile package
delivery
Proposal
Requirements:
1. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if
they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University
Handbook.
2. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include
project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal
Meeting
Information:
Thursday, March 12, 2015 2:30 – 4:30PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Project Statement 16-15
ProjStat
Form
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Webex Information:
1. Go to https://txdot.webex.com/txdot/j.php?MTID=mc669233957a14bab20c53fdbb558b22e
2. If requested, enter your name and email address.
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234
4. Click "Join".
Teleconference information;
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you
can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-(866) 637-1408 (US)
Conference Code: 426 158 5995
Notifying RTI of
Intent to
Propose:
In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI,
at (512) 416-4730 or rtimain@txdot.gov by February 27, 2015 if you plan to propose.
Proposal
Deadline:
Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, April 3, 2015. Email submissions should be sent
to rtimain@txdot.gov.
Project Statement 16-15