Transportation Business Proposal

8/13/2019 Transportation Business Proposal

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car to school can be hard if you share a car with your family. Our goal is to provide these

specific students with an alternative route of transportation so that they can refrain from

being their car to school or wait on the RIPTA for their stop. The following proposal is

designed to proposition our ideas and hopefully gain access to conducting these

transportation systems.

A quality proposal will always start off with the basic information of the company

name, address, and number of years in business. This gives the reader a sense of the

companys basic information so that they know what they will be reading about. The

brief description of the company is intended to inform the reader of what our companys

purpose is. It describes the use of both buses and cars as two different forms of

transportation to the same destinations. Our routes are strictly for moving from one

campus to another. We also provide our Mission Statement, which is to provide safe,

reliable, and timely transportation for all of URIs studentsto outside campuses. This

condenses all of our goals into a simple sentence.

Another essential section to this proposal is the description of each executive

member. It is important to know who is in charge and what they are contributing to the

company. Describing their positions and qualifications shows their credentials and

explains why they are appropriate to be a part of the executive team. Following this is the

segment on our services and what we will be providing to the students. Without this

section, the reader wouldnt know anything about the company and what it will be

offering. We describe our services to possibly consist of about seven buses and four cars.

We want to provide routes to each Rhode Island campus closest to us includingthe

Narragansett, Providence, W. Alton Jones, and Kingston campuses. It also discusses our


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The University of Rhode Island is known for its exceptionally spectacular nursing

and pharmacy programs. However, once a student are declared in these majors, along

with psychology and many others, you are required to attend courses at other universities.

For students without cars, it can be hard to travel to these locations, which include the

Narragansett, Providence, W. Alton Jones, and Kingston campuses. Although there is the

RIPTA, or Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, most of the time it takes too long to get

there and back. Our company was created to help students get to and from these schools

quickly using not only buses, but also cars. These two forms of transportation offer

students a necessary alternative to the RIPTA or using your own car. No more long

RIPTA rides or wasting your own gas money just to get across towns for a required class

or clinical. Our company introduces a direct route transit, as well as extra vehicles that

can be rented, in order to make it there in time. Students struggle each and every day

getting to and from certain classes that are offered at places other than the University of

Rhode Island. If our company were to be implemented on campus, these certain students

would have easier access to transporting back and forth instead of using their own car or

waiting longer on the RIPTA.

When it comes to our company, we want to reduce the amount of traveling and

take the students directly to the schools and universities for their class and/or clinical. A

fellow student once said, I have to bring my car to school next yearbecause my major

requires me to take clinicals at other schools. For families who are unable to share their

vehicle, this can pose an issue for the student in these certain majors. However, if we

were to apply our two new systems of transportations, those students wouldnt have to

worry about bringing their own car to school. Our public transportation, as well as the


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extra cars, has one purpose only and that is to take students to and from a multitude of

schools outside of Kingston, Rhode Island. In order to use these vehicles, you must first

register and sign up before gaining access to drive. After they have registered and been

approved, they must submit a schedule to one of our employees showing where and when

they need to go. There will always be gas in the car, so the student will never have to

worry about filling up. Payment will be determined by the number of hours that the car is

being used. There will be multiple vehicles stationed at the university, so students wont

have to wait to rent a car. If a student would like to consistently rent a car for a long

period of time, there can be a discount implemented as one specific payment instead of

paying by the day.

1.4Number of Years in Business: Since we are a start up business, we want to startgaining awareness, raising money, and interview for employees as soon as possible.

We hope to make exceptional progress within the first year and hopefully have a staff

and multitude of customers. We estimate that by the end of 2014, we will be on our

feet and no longer a start up company, but functioning sufficiently.

1.5Goals and Objectives of Company: The goal of our company is to attract URIstudents to want to use our transportation system to their benefit. We hope that they

will be enticed to use our buses and cars to travel to and from their classes. Our goal

is to reduce the amount of cars on campus by providing transportation to outside

schools. Students wont feel obligated to take their familys car to school due to

classes and clinicals at other campuses. If our system were to be implemented on the

URI Kingston Campus, there will be fewer cars on campus and more people taking


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buses and renting our hybrid vehicles. Education is our main objective and we dont

want the URI students to have difficulties transferring to and from campuses.

1.6 Mission Statement:(rough): Our goal is to provide safe, reliable, and timely

transportation for all of URIs studentsto outside campuses. We focus on not only public

transportation, but also rentable vehicles.

2.1 Description of Executive Team: Each member of our team has a specific, yet

important role in this company. It is our job to maintain a successful business and keep

our customers satisfied.

Name and Title Description of Job Qualifications

Carly Vissicchio

(President/CEO)

The presidents role is tocommunicate, implement, andcreate the organizations missionand overall vision of ourcompany. It is the presidents jobto lead and guide the staff

towards success by overseeing allthat goes on. Without thepresident, there would be no headrole to direct the company downa prosperous path. The presidentwill act as an entrepreneur to theposition by identifying andpursuing new opportunities to

expand its impact in meeting the

needs of URI students. They will

also ensure that appropriatestrategies are developed and

implemented and that the staff

reflects the experience to our

customers. The president has toenforce the knowledge and

abilities required to meet the

challenges of the future and beable to overcome any obstacle

Carly has a four-year degree in business

and a graduate degree in business

management. She also has ten years ofexperience in a mid-sized organization

as a head position. In order for someone

to be this position, they are required to

have a four-year degree, as well as agraduate degree in business

management, business finance, or any

other fields similar to this. Herqualifications have fit the requirements

and she certainly fulfills her duties in

this position.


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that they are given. If there are

any problems and questions thatthe staff may have, it is the

presidents duty to handle

anything, no matter what it is.

Cory Wentwor th

(General

Manager)

Corys role as manager requireshim to have suitable peopleskills, as well as distinguish thedifference between managementand leadership. A manager musthave the ability to facilitate agroup of employees, while stillacting as a leader. Cory has twomajor roles in our company. It ishis job to facilitate the hiring forour employees as well as have asuccessful plan ofimplementation for all of ourservices. He will organize theseason and hours of operationand an adequate environmentalplan so that our services areenvironmentally friendly as well.We want to conserve as muchenergy as possible, while usingquality vehicles for effectivetransportation. The manager will

Cory has the ability to work well withothers and relays clear and concisemessages when necessary. He has abachelors degree in businessmanagement and is a Certified AssociateBusiness Manager. Although thiscertification is not required for theposition, it helps his credentialsexponentially. In order to withhold thisposition, you must have experience as amanager at another company. He surelyfits all the qualifications for this positionand is a positive addition to ourcompany.


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questions through email, real-

time chat sessions or eventhrough a telephone routing

system that connects a customer

to an available customer service

agent. IT and HR can connect byusing certain forms of technology

to help any disgruntled customersand help us figure out a way to

fix any problems for the future.

Emilie

Fernando

(Director of

Transportation)

To perform this job successfully,

the individual must be able to

perform each essential duty

satisfactorily. The Director ofTransportation is in charge of our

vehicles and making sure they

run smoothly. Not only is thehead of maintenance, but alsomaking sure the interior of each

and every vehicle is clean and

comfortable for the customers.Although we plan on hiring

maintenance employees, Emilie

will be in charge and overlookthe overall upkeep of each

vehicle. He must report back to

the company whether it is

positive or negative feedbackabout the services. Specific

vision abilities required by this

job include close vision, distancevision, and the ability to adjust

focus. Physical ability is also

required as well because it doesinvolve a lot of movement when

it comes to maintenance. On top

of maintenance, it is the

directors job to ensurecompliance with federal and state

requirements for the vehicles.

Also, since he will be

overlooking certain employees,he will review qualifications for

potential employees and makes

recommendations for selection.He will also work closely with

It may seem like a like of requirements

for a certain occupation, but he certainly

has the qualifications for this position.

He has a bachelors degree in businessand over six years of experience in the

transportation business. He has worked

with numerous transportation companiesprior to ours. In order to prosper in thisoccupation, you must have technical and

statistical skills in order to work in

maintenance. It is also important to beinformed on Microsoft applications such

as Word and Excel in order to conduct

certain information. His expertise andknowledge in this field make him

especially suitable for this role.


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school officials and implement

efficient routes and timeschedules.

Megan

Harrison

(Treasurer)

As the role of Treasurer, youhave one main focus for the

company and that is to overseeand present budgets, accountsand financial statements.

Megans emphasis is on money

and the budget for ourtransportation service. However,

there are two separate budgets

that need to be considered. It

includes the cost ofimplementation and the cost of

the first year of operation. As

time progresses, her job asTreasurer will be to ensure anappropriate financial system so

that money will never be an issue

for us. She will also find ways offundraising and ensure that the

use of fundraised money will be

put towards the company. Shewill prepare and present certain

budgets if we ever have new or

ongoing work as well. Also, this

title entails managing bankaccounts, set up appropriate

systems for bookkeeping, and

ensure everyone handling moneykeeps proper records and

documentation. We will certainly

higher a committee of people towork with her and handle the

money aspect of our company.

She has a bachelors degree inaccounting and has the Certified

Treasury Professional certification. Herprevious job was a small business, butshe still obtained experience working

with money for over three years. This

proved her skills of analytical thinking,strong attention to detail, time

management skills to meet deadlines,

administer priorities and guide a

company's financial policies andfinancial operating procedures sensibly

and cost-effectively.

2.2 Description of why Bidders company is the proper fit for the URI Transportation

Service:

Our company is the right fit for the URI Transportation Service because it

provides an alternative way to transport students to and form outside schools. URIs main

priority is education and helping students succeed for their future after graduation. If


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certain students are unable to get to their courses off campus, they wont be able to

complete their required classes and possibly be behind on their credits. Our company

wants to provide a service that is strictly focused on education and make it easier for

students to take classes elsewhere.

Since we want to be an independent company, not a branch off of RIPTA, we

must gain our own license in order to be fully on our own. After working through all the

paperwork and applications, we were able to achieve a license to be an entirely

independent company. We wanted to be self-regulated so that we didnt have to branch

off of RIPTA and include any other stops other than the ones at other schools. Our

planned transportation route is strictly for stops at other universities and a system like this

can be beneficial on the URI campus. It will reduce the amount of cars on campus and

relieve families of stress and money issues that come with having a car at school. The

students wont have to spend as much money on their parking passes, gas, and especially

tickets. This will be especially appealing to the parents of these students because then

they will be able to save their money and keep their car at home. These students need a

system like ours and it would only benefit the URI students if it were to be implemented

on campus.

3. Research: (see end of proposal)

4. Services:

Our startup company will offer direct access to transportation from one campus to

the other. The University of Rhode Island four campuses in total. These include the

Narragansett, Providence, W. Alton Jones, and Kingston campuses. College students that

are located within these four campuses will be offered a way of transportation from the


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Kingston campus to another campus. We have concluded that the number of buses would

be determined by the distance of the main campus, the South Kingston Campus, to any of

the other three campuses. The distance of the South Kingston campus to another overall

calculates the amount of wait time students will have to go through. For example, it

would be completely unreasonable for our transportation system to offer one bus that

goes directly comes from the South Kingston campus to Providence. Providence is

estimated to be 40 minutes away from South Kingston, and adding on the other 40

minutes for the bus to come back, that is a total of 80 minutes for each interval. For this

reason alone, we have decided to have two buses dedicated for the Kingston to

Providence route. Half would overall cut down this way the wait for this specific route.

As one bus departs from the Kingston campus, there would be a bus traveling back from

Providence. Overall, we plan on having a total of seven buses for our transportation

system. We are looking out for the students of URI and want to provide a way to ease the

struggles they may face to get to classes that are located in in other campuses. There are

already other means of transportation but with our added system, it would provide more

assistance.

We plan on having an additional bus for traveling from the South Kingston

campus to the Narragansett campus, which is approximately 15 minutes away. Much like

the providence campus, the last campus, W. Alton Jones, is around 35 minutes away.

With this much time from the South Kingston campus, 2 more additional buses are

needed. There are many students in the South Kingston campus that have difficulties with

traveling to internships they may have. We also plan on providing students with a direct

transportation system to any other locations that our bus transportation will not cover. We


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plan to run a well functioning car rental system that will further more ease the college

experience.

Description of Buses and Cars:

In order for the students to identify our company transportation service, we are

planning on designing our vehicles with a bright green color for the base. This is

followed by our company name on of each side of the bus, or car, imprinted with a red

tone. This makes our vehicles, both buses and cars, to be easily seen by the students. We

are choosing to print our name with the color blue in order to bring attention to the

company name and highlight it. With green in the background, it is easier to differentiate

our vehicles from others. The green is also makes it easy on the eye for the students

when our transportation vehicles are seen around campus.

Pricing/Fees:

Our transportation system will offer transit between the South Kingston campus

and the other campuses with a fee of $2.00. A transfer will include an additional .50 cents

during the allotted time of one hour. One-day passes will be offered for $6.00, 7-day

passes for $23.00, a monthly pass for $62.00. We find these to be a reasonable and

affordable way for college students to get to place to place. Each payment plan offers

different ways of paying, each with ways that may accommodate an individual more than

others.

Our car service will be offered to the students with a fee of $7.25 an hour or

$50.00 a day. With gas and insurance included, we find that these fees will be reasonable


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for any student that may need to rent a car for internships or any other school related

destinations. Proof of attendance in the University is required and also the

schedule/destination of where the car will need to travel to must also be shown in order

go through the renting process.

Maintenance:

Each and every day, our buses/cars will return to the base parking lot located in

Narragansett. At this point, the vehicles will be inspected before use the following day.

We are very much aware of the importance of the students and staff safety that will be

using our transformational system. This includes tire checks for proper inflation or signs

of any damage, inspection of the under carriage for leaks, proper functioning lights, and

vents for air conditioning for comfortable travels. Other inspections also include fluid

check for brakes, oil, and power steering.

5.1 Staffing Requirements:

The employee selection process is, of course, of the utmost importance. We will

have online applications on our website, and when we narrow it down to the applicants

we are interested in, we will set up an interview with them. Those who pass our interview

will be given a background check for criminal records. Driving applicants are subject to

background checks of driving records. All employees will be given a drug test (as

aforementioned on our application) before they are hired and entered into the system. Our

employees will include bus drivers, maintenance workers, and customer service.


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Accepted employees will be given a polo shirt with the company logo and a

nametag/badge to identify that they are affiliated with the company. Bus drivers have the

same uniform, but with a short brimmed hat with a bus insignia on it. If a bus is late by

more than 15 minutes we will give a voucher for a free ride. If a bus breaks down by any

chance, we will send out one of our backup buses immediately and will give the riders a

free voucher for their next ride. If a rented car breaks down we will send out maintenance

to fix the car or to get it towed, and we will supply another car right away. If by any

chance the vehicles are all in use, we will make sure that someone is there as quickly as

possible to transport the customer to where they need to go. If maintenance is unable to

fix it right away, we will have a driver use a different car to take you to where you need

to be. We plan on replying to our customers concerns as quickly as possible.No matter

what the problem may be, we want to do our best to keep the customers satisfied. Despite

any possible issues, we will do what it takes to fix any sort of possible issue.

6. Marketing Strategy:

In order to launch the Rhody Route transportation service, our corporation has

decided to devise a strategy to launch, promote, and implement it.

The first step in the process of launching the service raising awareness to whatRhody Routes wants to do. To do this, we have to advertise and broadcast our

services intentions for the students of URI. Rhody Routes plans to advertise

across each campus that will be covered by our transportation service. We will

incorporate flyers, social media, radio advertisements, and online communication

with students.


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The second step in this process is to raise funds to assist in financing ourcorporation and to help draw as much attention to our service as possible. This

strategy not only raises funds, but spreads the word of the service we are trying to

bring to students. In addition to fundraising, we plan to ask for donations from

past URI alumni. As past students of the school, many of them being of the

majors we are targeting, they understand the struggle of finding transportation to

their designated academic activities.

The third step in our marketing strategy is to see who would be interested in ourservice. An important part of finding out who needs Rhody Route is to survey

students entering many of the popular traveling majors. We will partner with the

school to administer a quick and easy survey to the students to see who needs to

go where and how many vehicles we will need to accommodate them. We plan to

use social networking and interactive school communications, such as emails, to

question students in popular URI majors that require transportation to and from

campuses. Since many of the buses available to the campus thus far are packed

with students traveling for recreational purposes, we plan on emphasizing the

objective of our companywhich is to provide transportation for students who

need to reach clinical labs, internships, etc. at our neighboring campuses. With

this objective in mind, our company understands the importance of broadcasting

the quick and easy transportation our service provides from campus to campus.

By promoting our services through URI emails to students, those who require

traveling assistance to other campuses will see our service as a more reliable

method for reaching their destination.


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The results of the marketing strategy will be measured by the number of vehicles we have

in use to and from each campus.

7. Implementation: Since class times only run from 8am and can finish at 9:45pm there

needs to be a small window before and after the classes so students can get to their class

and home in a timely fashion.

7.1 Hours of operation: 6am11pm

7.2 Seasonal operation: FallSpring Semesters

7.3 Environmental awareness plan: Although hybrid and clean diesel vehicles are more

expensive, they are the most eco-friendly. They also have a greater longevity so it will be

cheaper in the long run. The company has decided to go with New Clean Diesel vehicles

for the buses. They run around $425,000 and have a 12 year life span. They follow more

industry standards, including wheelchair accessibility. Much cheaper than the New

Hybrid, and much safer and more reliable than a refurbished diesel, the only negative

about the clean diesel buses is that it takes a year to acquire them. For more $200,000

more, a new hybrid could be purchased but the only things it offers that the clean diesel

does not quieter operation, a slightly improved fuel economy, and reduced maintenance.

The clean diesel is the choice for us and due to its higher MPG it will save gas and thus

release less emissions into the atmosphere. As for the cars go, hybrids will be purchased


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such as a Toyota Prius or a Ford Fusion Hybrid, mostly for their higher fuel economy and

safety ratings.

8. Customer Satisfaction:

8.1: When dealing with the bus service, any customers who desire to speak to a

company manager in regards to their previous bus ride will be put in direct contact with

one. Should the situation call for action to take place, the customers next bus ride will be

free. With the car rentals, should a customer be in need of a refund, a portion of their total

payment will be returned to them.

8.2: With the bus service, extreme measures are taken to guarantee the safety and

wellbeing of the customers. Our busses are fully equipped to provide service to any and

all customers, regardless of any disabilities or limitations. Rhody Routes proudly assumes

the responsibility of going to any measure necessary to safely accommodate all

passengers. If any customer desires to be in contact with the company in regards to safety

or injury, they will be in contact with our companys headquarters to figure out a solution

that satisfies both the customer and company. With the car rentals, our cars are

guaranteed to be safe for all travelers. If safety is a concern within one of our cars, the

client will be put in contact with the companys headquarters to have a professional

service the car and assure that optimal safety is acquired. Customers are required to have

signed a liability form at registration prior to taking out the car. With this form, the

company is not held responsible for the drivers damage but will still have the coverage

to take care of any damage that should occur.


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8.3: Our buses will be equipped with ramps to manage any disabled or impaired

customers. Our cars will require the customer bring their own certified proof of

impairment or disability to be in our records and shown in the vehicle.

8.4: If a bus is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, a back-up bus will be

sent out on the former bus route as quickly as possible. Payment for that bus trip will be

decreased due to any waiting or inconvenience it may cause. If one of the rental cars is

unavailable to a customer, discounts can be provided to the customer for their next

experience with our service.

Budget:

Through loans and grants from the bank, donations from The University of Rhode Island

alumni, and fundraising, Rhody Routes could be established as a start up company. The

cost of implementation for Rhody Routes is about $50 million.

Rhody Routes transportation service currently has seven buses, two of which are back up

in case any others have issues, and four cars. Each bus is estimated to cost $400,000. For

the cars, which are Toyota Priuss, they are estimated to cost $24,000 to purchase. The

reasoning for buying Toyota Priuss was to become a more green company and overall to

save a significant amount of money towards gas. Rhody Routes buses run on ultra low

sulfur fuel, which is the least expensive gas provided. Each bus holds 60 gallons of gas

in its tank costing around $200 a day to fill.


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Within the first year of operation Rhody Routes has many financial expectations. Since

Rhody Routes is in association with the University of Rhode Island, we plan to be funded

by the state of Rhode Island as well. In order to operate, Rhody Routes will be receiving

a significant amount of money from gas taxes, parking fees, and tolls. It is projected

Rhody routes will receive an amount of 5.50 cents of gas per gallon from the states tax on

gas. The company is expected to see a 15% share of revenue from tolls and parking fees.

The amount of passengers of Rhody Routes is expected to increase therefore receiving

higher revenue.

With the starting cost of Rhody Routes being around $50 million, the first year of

operation budget is expected to double to $100 million.

The estimated yearly budget for Rhody Routes transportation service is $101,000,000.

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wwwroot/about/ATC_Board_of_Directors/ACT Board of Directors Board

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island/driving-records.php

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MSN Autos, S. O. (2013, March 11). Top environmentally friendly cars. Retrieved from

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435625

RI.gov, (2013). Rhode island public transit authority. Retrieved from website:

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need

We hope you consider our company as a possible transportation system at the University

of Rhode Island. Our company wants to reduce the amount of cars on campus and

increase the use of buses and rented cars. This will decrease the amount of money that

students spend on gas, parking passes, and especially parking tickets. The university

requires certain students for certain majors to travel elsewhere for class requirements and

we would like to provide an easier way to do this. Not only will it benefit the school, but

also the travels of the students.

Documents

Transportation Business Proposal