MERX Notice of Proposed Procurement by Metrolinx for Digital Channels for the PRESTO Procurement Program
General Information and Background
Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario and oversees GO Transit, PRESTO, Rapid Transit Implementation and the Union Pearson Express. Our goal is to create a transportation network that enhances the prosperity, sustainability, and quality of life for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GHTA).
PRESTO is Metrolinx’s fare payment system that seamlessly connects 11 transit agencies across the GTHA and Ottawa, with a mission to make transit better for all through a trusted and integrated fare payment experience.
Metrolinx has embarked on an ambitious PRESTO modernization approach that will deliver a more convenient and flexible PRESTO payment network into the future. This transformation will meet the needs of our customers and transit agency partners and aligns with fare payment systems in other jurisdictions globally.
Central to this approach is PRESTO’s Procurement Program, that will replace parts of the services and systems currently run by Metrolinx’s current supplier with new contracts segmented into various capabilities and responsibilities. This program’s objectives include a reduced total cost of ownership, improved outcomes for customers and clients, and enhanced future agility.
The PRESTO’s Procurement Program has issued three Negotiated Request For Proposals (NRFPs) that are already in progress for the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), System Integration Services (SIS), and Service Integration and Management (SIAM).
Proposed Issuance of Digital Channels (DC) NRFP
As the next stage in PRESTO’s Procurement Program, Metrolinx will be issuing a NRFP for Digital Channels (RFP-2023-LCLP-422 - Digital Channels Lot) in the coming weeks.
Today Metrolinx offers transit riders multiple ways to pay for their journey: legacy PRESTO smart cards (stored value), PRESTO smart tickets, paper tickets, mobile e-tickets and Open Payments (contactless credit and debit cards). Between now and the award of the new contracts, Metrolinx will continue the roll out of Open Payments and e-ticket integration to all GTHA and Ottawa transit agencies and to introduce the ability to put an account-based virtual PRESTO card into Mobile Wallets.
This RFP is to solicit the market to engage Proponents in the design, transition and operations of the digital channels to enable new and innovative functionalities for our ridership in all partner transit agencies.
As Metrolinx conducts its procurements in an open, fair and transparent manner, all Proponents or potential Proponents must comply with Metrolinx’s Conflict of Interest Policy. Until a DC services contract is awarded, any inquiries about the DC NRFP must be addressed only to Saeid Hasani, Senior Procurement Officer. Any proponent that fails to comply with these communication restrictions may be disqualified.
Additional Information
This notice is provided as a courtesy to the market. It does not constitute a binding commitment on the part of Metrolinx to issue the referenced NRFP or to proceed with any or all of the contemplated work. The contents of any NRFP that may be issued may vary from the description provided in this pre-notice.
Contact Person
Saeid Hasani
Senior Procurement Officer
Procurement Services
Metrolinx
Email: Saeid.Hasani@metrolinx.com
