Providing Seamless Bus Shuttle Transportation for a High-Profile Political Event
Vectour was selected as part of the transportation management team to provide bus shuttle services for various groups during the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. The groups that received shuttle service included credentialed DNC guests such as State Delegations, Media, Democratic Finance Groups, and other DNCC Organizations and Guests, including friends and family of President Obama and Vice-President Biden. Approximately 40,000 people were serviced during the 7-day political event.
The convention transportation service area encompassed over 150 hotels located within five zones in Metro Charlotte: Uptown, Airport, University, South Park, and Concord. Shuttle services were provided to/from the primary convention venue, the Time Warner Cable Arena, as well as various caucus meetings and receptions. Airport shuttle service was also offered to event attendees on key arrival and departure dates.
Objectives
The primary goal for the 2012 Democratic National Convention was to develop and execute a seamless and efficient transportation program that catered to the diverse needs of the convention’s attendees, ensuring timely and reliable transport services.
Challenges
- High Volume and Demand: Managing transportation for approximately 40,000 attendees across multiple locations required precise planning and coordination.
- Security Coordination: Ensuring the safety and security of high-profile attendees in collaboration with U.S. Secret Service and U.S. National Guard.
- Diverse Vendor Sourcing: Sourcing a diverse group of bus vendors, including minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged enterprises.
- Dynamic Scheduling: Adapting to the constantly changing transportation needs of various credentialed groups.
Solutions
- Comprehensive Planning:
- Developed an efficient transportation program during a five-month planning process in collaboration with the Democratic National Convention Committee and event officials.
- Fleet and Driver Management:
- Managed a fleet of 368 vehicles, including 283 motor coaches, 60 transit buses, and 25 mini-buses.
- Recruited and managed a staff of over 400 bus drivers and 36 operational staff.
- Vendor Procurement and Management:
- Contracted with 28 bus companies throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic region to meet the vehicle requirements.
- Ensured that 41% of the motor coaches and mini-buses were provided by minority, women-owned, or disadvantaged enterprises.
- Operational Support:
- Designed and managed the marshalling yard that housed the entire fleet during convention operations.
- Coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. National Guard to ensure maximum security at the bus yard depot.
- Dynamic Scheduling and Dispatch:
- Provided bus and driver dispatch, system fleet allocation, and managed dispatch/marshalling yard operations.
- Ensured driver housing accommodation and managed driver hotel shuttles.
- Regulatory Coordination:
- Contributed to the Federal Transit Administration granting a waiver to allow 60 transit buses from the Charlotte Area Transit system to be utilized during event operations.
Results
- Efficient Transport Operations: Successfully managed transportation for approximately 40,000 attendees, providing reliable and on-time services.
- High Participant Satisfaction: Delivered seamless transport services, resulting in high satisfaction among credentialed DNC guests and high-profile attendees.
- Enhanced Security and Logistics: Ensured high-security transport operations in coordination with federal and local security agencies.
- Diverse Vendor Inclusion: Successfully included a significant percentage of minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged enterprises in the vendor procurement process.
