The state of Arizona is seeking information from vendors regarding student ridership tracking solutions to enhance school transportation safety and operational efficiency. The primary focus is on systems utilizing RFID technology in combination with AI-powered analytics to monitor student boarding and disembarking, manage safety risks, and optimize bus routes.

Vendors are requested to provide comprehensive information about their hardware offerings, such as on-board RFID readers, antennas, driver tablets, and GPS devices. Additionally, vendors should specify the type and format of RFID tags used, describe the boarding and disembarking process (including whether it requires a physical tap or operates automatically), and detail any alert mechanisms for handling exceptions, such as when a student boards the incorrect bus or exits at an unauthorized stop.

Further information should cover the capabilities of the data analytics platform, including the collection and analysis of scan times, location data, route usage, and driver behavior. Vendors should explain how AI is utilized for predictive risk analysis, real-time route optimization, and data visualization through dashboards and reporting tools. The ability to integrate with existing Student Information Systems (SIS) and transportation software is also of interest.

This request for information will help inform the requirements for potential future procurement. The contract period for the anticipated solution is expected to be one year, and all vendor questions are to be submitted by November 26, 2025.