January 17, 2007

University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services Recognized as One of 100 Best Fleets in Nation

ST. PAUL, MN — The University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Fleets in North America for 2006. The 100 Best Fleets program awards outstanding, peak performing fleet operations across the country.

The 100 Best Fleets is sponsored by industry magazine Fleet Equipment, Faster fleet management information and services company CCG Systems, Inc.; and Tom Johnson, consultant and author.

The 100 Best Fleets program was developed to promote ever-increasing levels of productivity and operational effectiveness through a series of 10 seminars, and to promote pride in the industry.

“I'm honored that the University of Minnesota has been chosen once again,” said Parking and Transportation Services associate director Bill Roberts. “It is a true testament to the caliber of work we do. My staff works extremely hard to offer the best service possible and to discover new ways to make the university work better and stronger.”

The U of M has a fleet size of 832 vehicles -- mostly cars, vans, trucks and SUVs -- including 28 hybrids. Each year, nearly 3.5 million miles are tallied by the 386 vehicles in the central motor pool. Along with its rent and lease services, Fleet Services conducts driver training programs for the university and maintains a full-service shop on campus. Fleet Services is also charged with fulfilling federal mandates concerning commercial vehicle and driver regulations, and Clean Air Act regulations pertaining to alternatively fueled vehicles.

The University, along with Minnesota, leads the country in converting a portion of its fleet to flexible fuel vehicles. The university is one of the greatest users of E-85 fuel -- in the state and also nationally -- with more than 20,000 gallons pumped each year. It is also currently testing a portion of its non-E-85 fleet to run on E-20, a new fuel proposed by the state of Minnesota that is 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent unleaded gasoline.

The university has also converted its diesel tanks to B-20 (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum-based diesel.) “We are committed to being a principled steward of civic funds while advancing the public good,” Roberts said. “We've incorporated that premise into our philosophy; a healthy balance sheet and a cleaner environment can go hand in hand.”