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Reducing Unnecessary Vehicle Idling Helps Keep Austin Moving

Austin Fleet Mobility Services is encouraging all departments to help reduce unnecessary vehicle idling across the City fleet. Small daily actions can help our environment, create meaningful savings in fuel, reduce equipment wear and improve overall fleet efficiency.

While some City operations require vehicles to idle for emergency response, power equipment, climate control or other mission-critical functions, many situations allow vehicles to be safely shut off when parked or waiting for extended periods.

Reducing avoidable idling helps:

• Lower fuel consumption and operating costs
• Reduce engine wear and maintenance needs
• Improve air quality and reduce emissions
• Extend the service life of City vehicles and equipment
• Other ways employees can support these efforts:
• Turning vehicles off when safely parked for extended periods
• Avoiding unnecessary warm-up time
• Avoiding speeding, excessive acceleration and aggressive driving habits
• Reducing unnecessary trips whenever possible
• Carpooling when operationally feasible
• Avoiding overloading vehicles with unnecessary equipment or materials
• Performing routine vehicle walkaround inspections

Small operational habits across the organization can create meaningful citywide impact through reduced fuel consumption, improved fleet readiness and longer equipment life cycles.

For more information, employees may refer to Administrative Bulletin 09-01.

Thank you to all City employees who help operate and care for Austin’s fleet safely, efficiently and responsibly every day.