Procurement as an enabler of innovation
Overly prescriptive procurement models can stifle innovation by limiting the flexibility and creativity of private sector partners. That’s why Transport for NSW used a more outcome-focused approach to trial On Demand transport services and new technology such as alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
We are joining up services to provide better end-to-end customer experiences and reinventing our approach to contracting services, so they are more flexible and can better respond to customer demands.
Collaborative planning and design is a cornerstone for exploring new service models. This means engaging with industry early, sounding out markets to bring in new ideas and sorting out legacy issues with bold new approaches to procurement and contracting.
“We have On demand movies, On demand food, and finally – NSW will have On demand transport,”
The Hon. Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.
The On Demand Transport Program was launched in November 2016 to identify and pilot creative new ways for people to reach their destinations quickly, safely, easily, efficiently, and most importantly, at a time that suits them
The roll-out of On Demand services began in late 2017, in locations, such as Eastern Suburbs, Manly, Northern Beaches, Woy Woy and the Illawarra. Over 150,000 customer trips have been undertaken up to the end of September 2018.
On Demand public transport services will also be tested in Rural and Regional NSW with an additional seven trials planned.
On Demand transport is recognised as a key element of the planning and development of the precincts of tomorrow. For example, Randwick Council and Nous Technology have both received Smart Cities and Suburbs Program funding for precinct initiatives and enabling apps that align transport options more closely with precinct residents and visitors’ needs.
