Hornblower Group, the founding operator of NYC Ferry, today announced its intent to release a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the selection of a Shuttle Bus Operator that will be responsible for providing shuttle bus services for the record-setting ferry network.  This RFQ is open to NYC-certified M/WBE firms ONLY and firms committed to obtaining M/WBE certification within 6 months of contract award.

Services under this RFQ include the provision of operations, drivers, and maintenance for shuttle bus service on the Soundview and Rockaway routes in addition to the performance of administrative reporting and notification obligations. The RFQ is expected to be released in early November with submissions beginning shortly thereafter. A deadline for late November or early December will be announced upon RFQ release.

The selected Shuttle Bus Operator will play a vital role in delivering reliable, accessible, and convenient connecting transportation services for passengers accessing NYC Ferry. The RFQ seeks a Shuttle Bus Operator capable of providing responsible, reliable, and courteous transportation for ferry riders throughout the year. The selected Operator will also demonstrate, via this RFQ, its ability to comply with Hornblower’s administrative and customer service requirements and serve as a highly responsive vendor.

This RFQ will include reasonable good faith efforts to promote the participation of capable and competitive M/WBE firms in the contract award.  For more information on M/WBE participation and good faith efforts, please visit:  https://edc.nyc/opportunity-mwdbe.

This procurement will include the following major milestones:

• RFQ Release: November 2025
• Pre-Proposal Meeting/Call: TBA in November 2025
• Vendor Quotes Due: December 2025
• Vendor Selection/Contract Execution: December 2025
• Contract Services Begin: January 2026

This schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit an email stating your firm’s interest with the subject line and contact information “NYC Ferry Shuttle Bus” to [email protected] receive updates on this opportunity.

For general information regarding NYC Ferry, schedules, and real-time service alerts, please visit ferry.nyc or the NYC Ferry app.

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