New SmartDrive Study Reveals Techniques to Improve Fuel Economy 18.7% in Public Transit Fleets

SAN DIEGO--()--SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, today announced the results of its Public Transit Fuel Efficiency Study. The findings reveal that transit fleets can reduce fuel consumption on average as much as 18.7%, saving nearly $3,400 per vehicle annually, by engaging in fuel-efficient, eco-driving best practices.

“With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for public transit fleets,” noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer. “Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency by addressing the 84.8% of fuel waste that can be improved through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers."

The study evaluated several hundred transit buses and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and determine the impact of training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Study data was compiled by SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and training recommendations provided. Real-time in-vehicle feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it happened. Post-training performance was measured showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard decelerations and hard turns.

“Within one month, the top 25% of drivers improved their fuel economy from 3.87MPG to 4.59MPG, or 18.7%. That’s a real savings that any transit fleet operator would appreciate,” Palmer added.

To further help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, SmartDrive has just released a short Eco-Driving Training Video, designed specifically for public transit. For a copy of the training DVD and the SmartDrive Public Transit Fuel Efficiency Study, please visit www.smartdrive.net/transit.

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings - all through an easy-to-use managed service. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse - more than 43 million events - of real-time, risky-driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs over 375 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

Contacts

SmartDrive Media Relations
Jim White, 619-955-6430
jim.white@smartdrive.net

Release Summary

SmartDrive Systems announced its Public Transit Fuel Efficiency Study revealing that transit fleets can reduce fuel consumption as much as 18.7%, saving $3,400/vehicle through fuel-efficient driving.

Contacts

SmartDrive Media Relations
Jim White, 619-955-6430
jim.white@smartdrive.net