The city Department of Transportation intends to enter sole-source negotiations with JCDecaux Street Furniture New York, LLC to install real-time passenger information displays at 1,446 bus stop shelters citywide, according to a city notice published Oct. 19. Any other firm that believes it is qualified has until Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. to come forward.
What is proposed
The agreement would run for a term of 3,125 calendar days, a little more than eight and a half years.
DOT wants to show real-time information about New York City Transit bus routes on certain JCDecaux shelters. According to the notice, that requires three things at each shelter: a digital panel on the side of the shelter, a text-to-speech button that gives audible information for people who are visually impaired, and a communications feed to access the information.
Why only one company
JCDecaux is the city’s coordinated street furniture franchisee and has the right to install bus stop shelters throughout New York City. The franchise agreement states that the shelters are the property of JCDecaux for the entire term of the agreement and that the city has no ownership interest in them.
On Feb. 2, 2026, the agency’s chief contracting office determined under the city’s Procurement Policy Board rules that JCDecaux is the only entity authorized to own and operate bus shelters on the city’s public right-of-way. That makes it the sole source for the displays, the notice says.
What the notice does not say
The notice gives no dollar figure for the agreement. It does not say which 1,446 shelters would get displays, how they were chosen, when installation would start, or who would maintain the panels and data feed once they are up.
How to respond
The city has posted a request for information under EPIN 84127Y0898. Any firm that believes it is qualified to provide these products is invited to respond in PASSPort, the city’s procurement system, no later than Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.
Questions go to the agency contact, Kathy Cornwall-Wilson, at kcornwallwilson@dot.nyc.gov or 212-839-9276.
