Fleet Program to Save TxDOT, Taxpayers Millions Annually

Program will enable greater productivity and efficiency as savings will be put toward strategic priorities

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation today was joined by members of the Texas Transportation Commission in Tyler to showcase Fleet Forward, a program designed to streamline the number of TxDOT vehicles and heavy equipment in order to increase productivity while reducing maintenance and storage costs. The fleet reduction will save the agency approximately $50 million annually and make it possible to address other TxDOT projects benefiting Texas drivers over the next decade.

“In 2012, I challenged the department to come up with $2 billion in savings over the next few years,” said Commissioner Jeff Austin, Texas Transportation Commission. “Fleet Forward is our most comprehensive cost-savings initiative so far, impacting every area of TxDOT and ultimately saving Texans money, while making our workplace better and safer.”

Fleet Forward was first piloted earlier this year in the TxDOT Tyler District where 114 pieces of heavy equipment and vehicles have been removed as part of this cost savings program. To date, 11 districts have implemented the fleet-reduction program resulting in 2,250 assets removed. Once completed, Fleet Forward is expected to successfully reduce TxDOT’s current 16,000 vehicle fleet to 10,000 by ensuring team members have the right vehicle, at the right time for the right cost.

“Through our department-wide cost savings program, we have become better stewards of the money taxpayers entrust to us,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. “Fleet Forward makes good business sense, and as we roll this program out statewide, we’re confident our stakeholders across the state will agree.”

Fleet Forward began with an extensive review of TxDOT’s equipment, including evaluations of how often equipment was used and how often it was projected to be needed. If equipment is not needed, it is eligible to be sold. During the program, TxDOT will also improve its equipment maintenance program and reduce procurement costs.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.