SPRINGFIELD, IL – In response to an audit of the State of Illinois’ fleet operations by the auditor general’s office, the State of Illinois’ Department of Central Management Services (CMS) said it’s adopting a number of recommendations. CMS also announce it's implementing a new car sharing program.

“CMS welcomes the input of the Auditor General, we will review and consider all the recommendations that pertain to the vehicles under our purview,” said Alka Nayyar, a spokesperson for CMS. The Quinn administration has made improving the efficiency of our fleet management services, and reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions a top priority, and we are in the process of implementing several strategies to reduce employee transportation costs.”

The audit recommended the State perform a more detailed analysis of vehicle use by employees and that its coordinators file more detailed reports on a regular basis. CMS said it is currently working on improving its processes.

“As State agencies best determine their own transportation needs, CMS is reinforcing the need to perform rigorous vehicle usage analysis,” Nayyar said. “To that end, we are looking into adopting improved tools and technology to assist in the collection and analysis of fleet usage data and to help agencies make informed choices on the most cost-effective transportation option available to them.”

In addition, CMS recently announced a new arrangement with car-sharing service provider Zipcar. 

“Increased usage of Zipcars will help the State eventually reduce the overall number of higher-mileage vehicles in its fleet, and promote environmentally-friendly forms of transportation for State business,” Nayyar said. “The state only pays for the Zipcars when they are in use and does not pay for the cost of gas, insurance, maintenance, or for housing the vehicles. There were no additional costs associated with this contract – the State pays $6 per hour up to 180 miles, and $ .25 per mile thereafter. This agreement is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce fuel consumption and save the state money, while providing employees with convenient transportation options."

Nayyar added that other initiatives CMS is pursuing include purchasing used vehicles through a GSA program and increasing the number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the State’s fleet.

By Greg Basich and Thi Dao