REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director Department of Transportation BY: RICHARD BALDON, Project Manager Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title Award a Professional Services Contract to Flexlynqs, LLC, for a Transit On-Demand Feasibility Study for a total fee of $395,000 (Bid File 12600257) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending the City Council award a Professional Services Contract to Flexlynqs, LLC, for a Transit On-Demand Feasibility Study for a total fee of $395,000. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On August 4, 2025, the Department of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a transit on-demand feasibility study. The study will include an analysis of the FAX paratransit services and provide solutions for modernization. Recommendations for modernization will examine adding non-paratransit on-demand trips, implementing new trip planning technologies, providing customers with application-based booking, and real-time vehicle tracking. The results of the feasibility study will assist FAX to transform our operations and enhance customer experience. Additionally, the study will better position FAX for future grant opportunities to implement the proposed service improvements. On September 4, 2025, FAX received one (1) proposal from Flexlynqs, LLC, (Flexlynqs) for consultant services. The Selection Committee examined Flexlynqs and determined the proposer met the requirements of the RFP. BACKGROUND FAX sought proposals from qualified consultants to conduct an On-Demand Transit Improvement Study. Prior to publishing the RFP, FAX staff reached out to three (3) local business chambers to provide awareness and generate interest in the RFP. The goal of the project is to assess the current paratransit system (Handy Ride), evaluate opportunities for service modernization, determine the feasibility of adding non-paratransit on-demand services, review new trip planning technologies, and develop solutions to provide customers with application-based booking and real-time vehicle tracking. The study is a critical step toward ensuring that residents have access to reliable, efficient, and effective transportation options. This work is part of FAX's System Efficiency and Accessibility Improvement Project, which aims to transform transit services that demonstrate and support significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions, increased ridership through improved transit service, and clear and meaningful benefits to the Fresno community. The On-Demand Transit Improvement Study is one (1) of four (4) sub-projects of the System Efficiency and Accessibility Improvement Project. An RFP was issued August 4, 2025, via Bid File Number 12600257, and closed on September 4, 2025, which resulted in one proposal submission. FAX staff reviewed the proposer's history and checked for any debarment information but found none. Further, it was determined that FAX conducted all appropriate outreach and advertising for the RFP. After careful examination of the proposal against the evaluation criteria, the Selection Committee recommended Flexlynqs for award. The Director of Transportation concurs with the recommendation of the Selection Committee. The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and approved it to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 the award of this contract does not qualify as a "project"; therefore, it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented, as only a single bid was received in response to this RFP. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact to the General Fund from this action. Expenses from this contract shall be funded primarily through a State of California 2024 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) competitive grant award. Sufficient appropriations were included and are available in the FAX FY2026 budget. Attachments: Selection Committee Report RFP 12600257 Flexlynqs' Proposal Service Contract