Virginia DOT Trims Fleet Based on Utilization

摘要

Deciding on the right size of a Departmerit of Transportation equipment fleet isn't a new problem, but when the Virginia DOT began work on its Equipment Program Strategic-Business Plan in 2001, managers ranked fleet size and utilization among their top priorities. Several business-plan initiatives started with developing new measurements and reports to help monitor each machine's utilization. Success of the right-sizing effort depends on frank discussion of the results with operations managers. "On the one hand, VDOT serves the traveling public and has to be prepared for any and every contingency―even if it means retaining some equipment with low utilization," says Erle Potter, assistant director of equipment management. "On the other hand, VDOT has stewardship responsibilities to its taxpaying constituents to provide services in the most effective and efficient way possible. This means no waste or excess, and translates into a balancing act between sufficient capability and responsible budgets."