GPS Tracking City Vehicles

Mayor Greg Fischer announced yesterday that many vehicles in the city fleet will soon be outfitted with a new tool aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and driving safety, and improving maintenance.

Global Positioning System (GPS) units will be added to 481 cars and trucks assigned to Fleet Services, Facilities, Public Works, Metro Parks, Codes and Regulations, Louisville Forward and Emergency Medical Services under a contract with Verizon Network Fleet. The GPS device will send readouts on idling time, driving performance, maintenance status, plus vehicle and driver location.

The information will be monitored within each department by email or logging in to a Network Fleet Portal. Cathy Duncan, Director of Fleet and Facilities Management said, “We expect to see an increase in miles per gallon on Metro vehicles through a reduction in idling time, and to reduce fuel cost while verifying safe driving practices.”

Fischer said GPS monitoring “will provide us with real world data that will help us plan for more efficient use of vehicles and increased worker productivity.” Installation will begin immediately and be completed within 60 days.

Costs for the program include just under $76,000 for installation plus monitoring fees of $9,000 per month. Projections call for savings of approximately $2,000 per vehicle per year.