Support in responding to tenders for the operation of the Niort network

Since 2017, the agglomeration of Niort has undertaken an ambitious policy of free public transport network (TANlib), in order to attract new users and reduce dependence on private cars.
This strategic choice resulted in a significant increase in attendance, with lines that are already heavily loaded during peak periods.

In this context, Explain accompanied Transdev, candidate for the operation of the network, on all questions related to the demand forecast And at sizing of the offer as part of the tender response.

The approach developed is based on:

• The analysis of observed frequentations on the existing network;
• the integration of proposals to improve the offer, valued usingelasticities to frequency and travel time ;
• careful consideration of urban and demographic dynamics, in connection with land use planning projects.

In order to anticipate the risks of saturation, Explain proposed a differentiated analysis by line, making it possible to identify the sectors most exposed to demand growth.
This approach has in particular made it possible to inform the choices relating to rolling stock requirement, including the opportunity to use articulated buses on certain structural lines.

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• Robust estimate future attendance of the TanLib network.
• Integrate the effects of free services and changes in supply on demand.
• Identify lines at risk of saturation and capacity needs.
• Support the construction of a credible and well-founded offer as part of the call for tenders.

Thanks to the intervention ofExplain, Transdev has disposed ofsubstantiated and consistent attendance assumptions, reinforcing the solidity of his candidacy.
The detailed analysis by line made it possible to anticipate operational and rolling stock needs, while limiting operational risks.
The support was part of a comprehensive approach, going up to Preparing for orals, in order to secure the entire tender response process.

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This mission illustrates the ability toExplain to accompany the transport operators in demanding competitive contexts, by mobilizing advanced expertise in attendance forecasting and demand analysis.
The support given to Transdev for the Niort network demonstrates the importance of a fine and territorialized approach to design transport offers adapted to changes in uses and mobility policies.

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