Q&A from the Information Session
Does TfNSW have any customers or users within the target group within this challenge that we could reach out to or set up time to discuss their pain points?
Yes. We have been engaging customers in the development of this challenge and reaching out to some of those representative groups like Vision Australia. We will be able to facilitate those discussions for those who are chosen to enter incubation.
Is there a list or document outlining each of the technologies the current fleet utilises? E.g. GPS, previous technology etc
Currently, TCB technology is fully integrated into a telematic solution. GPS is no longer relevant, it’s inside the device which uses a 3D composite that we use to find the location. The days of separate systems are gone.
Is there a list of learnings or findings from prior innovation challenges to leverage?
We have learned a lot of lessons over the years we have been running innovation challenges and certainly have an idea of what is required for a successful incubation period and successful trial. Look closely at the judging criteria and ensure you address each of them – that is really what is going to drive your successful application to be a part of this trial.
How much of a working prototype is needed for the submission on the 24th May?
No prototype is needed for the submission stage, however if you have any wireframes, existing technology, or an existing application then be sure to include that in your submission. If you don’t, you’ll need to demonstrate what skills and experience you have in developing a product that is going to use this technology.
A question about post-seed funding: what happens next? Is the participant expected to draw revenue and fund the app exclusively or does Transport for NSW engage and pay for service/SLA?
We want to see some exploration in the proposals for how this aspect of the problem can be solved. In the past there have been significant commercial opportunities that stem from solving a real transport problem, but there are no guarantees.
Ultimately the focus of this challenge is the trial – we need to find out how a solution can be used in the real world, uncover challenges, and see if they can be overcome to get a solution out to market. The seed funding exists to get a real-world trial, and there isn’t necessarily going to be an ongoing engagement after that trial.
In which stage the new assist API will be available? Do we need to provide a proof of concept in the submission stage?
For this challenge, you will be able to run it in a test environment during the incubation phase. We want to explore what the control should be for this API and its users as part of this challenge.
If you have a relative working at Transport can someone else from your group submit your proposal and can you still work on the project?
No. As per the terms and conditions of this challenge, employees (and their immediate families) of TfNSW, Sydney Trains, TAHE and NSW Trains are not eligible to enter the Challenge.
What kind of latency does the TCB system have for the shore to fleet communications?
We’re using telematics message cues – it's instant. We’ve observed delays of less than a second, so we see door open and door close events in real-time.
It seems the challenge ends with real world trials and a review process. Is TfNSW planning a tender to deploy such a technology?
It depends on what we learn through the trial and whether the technology and customer apps are feasible and deliver a good experience.
Is there a test URL for the passenger pickup API and any chance you can modify the API to include 'RampRequired'?
At this stage the API is basic, but this could absolutely be added. This type of request could be added into the freetext. We’re open to ideas.
Due to the different limits imposed by the various user's disabilities, how will a successful technology be judged? Will it be judged on how it helps all different needs evenly or if it excels in one area?
Our primary problem is hailing and boarding a bus. Depending on the complexity that may be uncovered during incubation, that may be the only problem we solve, but it really depends on the progress and what we discover. Boarding ramps, for example, may be an adjacent problem that is unable to be solved during this challenge and comes later.
I have a very limited development/technological skillset - will this affect the validity of my solution during the submission stage?
We do want to see technical capability in a submission with the ability to build and maintain the product for the trial. If you’re someone that doesn’t have a lot of technical ability, you may wish to partner with someone who does have that capability. The more diverse the skills, knowledge and experience of a group, the stronger the submission.
Can you comment on how this challenge is currently addressed in the rail network in NSW?
It’s currently managed using phone/radio calls to train guards who then attend the platform to assist the customer requiring a boarding ramp. This challenged is focused on buses only, where we do have the production system to engage and use technology to do this.
When will the bus assist API be available?
Teams that successfully enter the incubation stage of the challenge will have access to the API to develop their apps
How do you assess the apps that have gone through incubation and select them for the trial?
We use our judging criteria, however at the trial stage we are examining the app that has been developed, rather the proposal. We will assist and guide you during the incubation process to give you every chance of going from incubation to trial.
Do we need to provide the project timeline and the project cost for our solution in the submissions?
The goal of your submission is to help us understand what the solution would look like and whether that solution can be delivered by trial start. A project timeline and costing would help. The product doesn’t have to be built now, but you’ll have to give us confidence that you’ll be able to produce a product ready for trailing by that date.
How many teams will be selected after the Pitch Day round?
We typically don’t set a maximum. It really depends on the quality of the submissions. The most common number of teams accepted is 2 or 3.
Is there [any part of] a mechanism in place to notify bus drivers from a mobile device? Like a radio on board the buses which can receive audio directed at only that bus?
Yes, the Bus Boarding API supports sending a pickup request to the console of a specific bus. The console receives a request via the API, it does not receive audio.
How many buses are there in NSW?
There are 5,000 metro and 3,000 regional buses in NSW. For the challenge there are 1,300 regional buses with the technology to receive requests via the Bus Boarding API (~60 in metro). Over the next 30 months all regional buses will be upgraded with this technology.
Is adding an electronic device to buses feasible? e.g. can it be connected to a source of electricity?
No, we aim for a single driver interface to reduce distractions and workload for the driver. Also, being incorporated into a single interface means it is “non-fling-able” in an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is being offered as part of the challenge?
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is offering the public an opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders and industry partners to provide customer solutions for NSW.
Benefits for successful Innovation Challenge teams include options for seed funding, access to subject matter experts, data, APIs and significant commercial opportunities that stem from solving a real transport problem.
How will the Innovation Challenge work?
A virtual information session was be held on Wednesday 10 May 2023 and will be recorded and published on the Innovation Challenge webpage. This session is designed for interested parties to ask questions and get information before applications are due.
Applications open on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at 2:30PM and close on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at 11:59PM AEST.
Potential applicants will have the opportunity to meet key subject matter experts at the information session to help develop their submission. Once applications close, they are assessed and ranked by a screening panel.
Teams will be selected to progress to the next stage of the challenge where they will be invited to pitch their ideas to the judging panel as part of the Pitch Day. Successful teams will be invited to incubation.
Incubated teams may receive funding and access to subject matter experts. Teams who successfully complete the incubation stage will be selected to trial their product with a closed group of real customers.
Who can participate in the Innovation Challenge?
We welcome all submissions that meet the challenge statement. It is expected that teams are incorporated and are able to engage in legal and/or commercial terms with Transport for NSW.
Employees and the immediate families of employees of the Transport for NSW cluster - including Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains - are not eligible to enter the innovation challenge competition.
Am I required to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to enter the challenge?
Yes, participants will need an ABN to enter a contract and receive seed funding from TfNSW. Applicants selected to progress to incubation will be required to join the ICT Services Scheme in order to receive payment.
When does the product have to be launched?
The incubation period will be approximately 8 weeks. At the conclusion of incubation, the product must be ready to begin customer trials.
When do applications open?
Applications open on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at 2:30PM.
When do applications close?
Applications close on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at 11:49PM.
Where do I apply?
Applications will be open on the official Innovation Challenge website. Please ensure you register and attend the information session to be advised of key events and news about the challenge.
What format are submissions expected to be in?
The submission form is a handful of free text fields. You will also have a chance to provide a link to extra content - videos, a pitch deck, anything you’d like to provide as part of your submission.
Will any TfNSW data be available to help develop ideas?
Feel free to use all the data currently available on the Open Data Hub. We have a vast array of data for public transport across roads and maritime, static and real time data. Access to the Bus Boarding Assistant API will be available to successful teams during the challenge. Nothing further is set to be released specifically for this challenge. Nothing further is set to be released specifically for this challenge.
What seed funding is available for the Innovation Challenge?
If seed funding is required, applicants must indicate an amount from $5,000 up to $50,000 excluding GST. Solutions will be evaluated against the selection criteria and must provide value for money.
What criteria will the judging be based on?
More information about the judging criteria and format of the challenge will be provided at the information session. Generally, Transport for NSW endorsed products are required to meet Endorsement Criteria, including factors such as:
Customer Experience and Usability - is the solution appealing, effortless, intuitive and easy to use for the target segments?
Market Feasibility - How well do you understand the customer, what benefits they will derive from the solution and how likely they are to use it?
Innovation - Is the product unique and original, and does it demonstrate tangible technical innovations?
Technical Feasibility - Can the team deliver the solution? Can they demonstrate an understanding of technical inputs to solution development and ensure ongoing technical stability?
Commercial Sustainability - Is the solution likely to be commercially sustainable in the long term?
Do we have to cover all of NSW or a particular area?
Your solution would ideally cover the whole of NSW but does not have to. Products will be evaluated on merit, the customer experience, and our other judging criteria.
Are there any restrictions on who can enter?
International participants are welcome to apply, provided they are able to meet the ABN and insurance requirements. Both the information session and pitch day will be held via video conference so you can participate if you are not able to be in NSW physically.
If you are a TfNSW or NSW local government employee you cannot participate. Please reach out to our team if you wish to discuss your eligibility (opendataprogram@transport.nsw.gov.au).
What happens to the IP which has been developed during the innovation challenge?
With all third-party products developed through our Innovation Challenges, they are the IP of the original proponents. We will provide guidance and co-design feedback, but the IP is owned and run by you.
How many solutions will be accepted?
We are open to supporting more than one team and do not put a specific restriction on the number of teams accepted.
How many applicants will be shortlisted to the pitch day?
There is no limit. We usually have up to 10, however if we have many great ideas we will listen to all of them.
Can multiple submissions be made by the same person/company/group?
Absolutely. The same person or group can submit multiple ideas however, please ensure they are made as separate submissions. Please note, it is very unlikely that we would select two submissions from the same organisation to progress to pitch day.
Is there a guarantee of a contract with TfNSW for successful organisations/solutions?
No. As part of your submission, there is a question about how the solution will be made commercially sustainable. If we are to be the customer, you need to make that very clear and that will be taken into account. With all our products, we’d prefer not to be the customer, because we don’t want your reliance on NSW Government funding to be sustainable. We want an innovative product that will support you commercially, as well as our needs and our customers’ needs, so it’s a win-win-win.
Are there TfNSW digital guidelines available for UX/UI usability?
Proponents are expected to demonstrate adherence to best practice design and accessibility principles. Digital NSW does provide guidelines, however. TfNSW does not have specific guidelines around this. Accessibility should be a consideration.
Which NSW Government laws and regulations should we consider when building our solutions?
When developing technology for transport customers it is important to ensure the solution is safe, legal and complies with relevant regulations. Read more on the official NSW Gov Road Rules legislation and more on safety and road rules on NSW roads.
What other opportunities are there to engage with Transport for NSW?
Transport for NSW regularly runs Hackathons and Innovation Challenges. For information about when these might be occurring please visit the innovation section of the Open Data Hub.
I have questions about the challenge. Who can I contact to ask more questions?
Come to the Information Session and ask any questions to the Open Data Team and subject matter experts (SMEs). You can also ask on the Open Data Forum at https://opendataforum.transport.nsw.gov.au/ or email us at opendataprogram@transport.nsw.gov.au.
What is the best way to connect and stay up to date with future challenges?
Announcements via Twitter: @DataTfNSW
Add your email to our mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/transport/subscribe-for-updates
Join the developer forum: https://opendataforum.transport.nsw.gov.au/
Technical issues: opendataprogram@transport.nsw.gov.au