Driving Toward Sustainable Cities: Five ways fleet management systems support environmental and social sustainability

New tools are changing how fleet managers ensure timely operations and cleaner, more equitable journeys  

This is the seventh blogpost in an ongoing series highlighting our commitment to the spirit of sustainable cities – those communities, organizations and leaders developing new processes and technologies to address environmental impacts, social equity, public safety and transportation demands around the world.  

On a typical weekday in the U.S., people board public transportation more than 30 million times. A direct relationship exists between the quality of public transportation and quality of life and the environment. Transit systems connect communities, support the economy, link citizens to healthcare and education and help reduce congestion and emissions. Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually, and in the U.S. alone, save six billion gallons of gasoline each year. 

Fleet managers are aware of the impact of their work. Providing exceptional services means managing complexity and uniting operations — including schedules, drivers, dispatch operations, maintenance and uptime, route changes, safety and expenses.  

Today, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for transit are transforming operations and increasing efficiency, uptimes, rider accessibility and satisfaction.   

Drawing on more than three decades of experience, our transit experts have identified five significant areas where fleet management systems (FMS) are helping communities advance both environmentally and socially:  

1. Reduced congestion: Fleet management systems use data insights to optimize routes, reduce idle time, and improve overall vehicle utilization. By reducing unnecessary mileage and idling, these systems help decrease fuel consumption and emissions. Similarly, they can suggest more fuel-efficient routes, avoiding congested areas and heavy traffic, further limiting environmental impact. 
2. Reduced emissions and greater fuel efficiency: Predictive maintenance capabilities monitor vehicle health and alert maintenance managers to potential issues, helping prevent breakdowns and optimize vehicle performance. Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently and consume less fuel. 
3. Support for multiple modes of transportation: Fleet management systems can report bike rack availability and utilization, providing cyclists and commuters the option to bike a portion of their route, including the first or last mile to get to or from a transit station. 
4. Driver monitoring and education: Fleet management systems can include tools for monitoring driver behavior, including hard braking, rapid acceleration and speeding. By providing real-time driver feedback and coaching, these systems promote safer, more fuel-efficient driving habits. Smooth driving may reduce fuel consumption and help limit wear and tear on vehicles, leading to fewer emissions and extended fleet lifespan. 
5. Fair, equal access to transportation: Modern fleet systems promote social equity by optimizing routes for timely access, preventing overcrowding through real-time monitoring. By ensuring that vehicles operate at manageable capacity, fleet managers can enhance passenger comfort, safety and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those traveling with young children. 

Partnership for fleet management success 
Conduent Transportation’s Fleet Management System (FMS) is an ITS system that offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to optimize transit operations. At its core is the FMS Dispatch application, a web-based CAD/AVL system providing dispatchers with real-time insights into transit operations. Equipped with powerful map-based interfaces and analytical tools, it facilitates both immediate decision-making and long-term planning, enhancing operational efficiency. 

Complementing the dispatch system is a rugged, in-vehicle solution integrated with onboard systems. This solution provides drivers with real-time information via a user-friendly interface, ensuring they stay informed, on route, and on schedule. With onboard equipment suites supporting fixed route, paratransit and light rail operations, it offers end-to-end functionality for seamless transit management. The system incorporates VoIP communications, merging voice and data communications to improve operational efficiency while reducing costs.  

At a Glance: Conduent Fleet Management System 
Discover Conduent Transportation FMS, designed to optimize transit operations 

• FMS Dispatch Application: Hosted, web-based CAD/AVL system with powerful map-based interfaces for real-time transit operation views 
• In-Vehicle Solution: Rugged onboard system providing real-time information to keep drivers informed and on schedule 
• VoIP Communications: Converged voice and data communication solution for enhanced operational efficiency 
• Open, Modular System: Interfaces enable integration with new and existing components 
• Real-Time Data Analytics: Live data for informed decision-making on vehicle location, scheduling, health, and passenger counts 
• Real-Time Passenger Information: Mobile app and website access to scheduled and real-time bus location and arrival data 
• Yard Management Options: Intuitive visualization of vehicles in the yard or garage, integrated with operations and maintenance systems 

Conduent Transportation experts have more than 30 years of experience delivering and maintaining Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems, and more than 50 years of experience in serving the transportation industry. Each year, we track more than 500 million vehicle miles. Our CAD/AVL systems have been selected by more than 20 public transit and state agency customers in the U.S. and abroad, with units installed or scheduled for installation on approximately 30,000 vehicles. 

Ready to discover how Conduent Transportation can help deliver environmentally sustainable solutions to your fleet? Learn more or reach out to an expert now by visiting https://transportation.conduent.com/cad-avl-solutions/.