Idle Reduction Solutions for NYSDOT Region 4 Based on Real-World Operational Profiles 2014-01-2426

Energetics Incorporated conducted a study to evaluate the operational, economic, and environmental impacts of advanced technologies to reduce idling in the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 4 fleet without compromising functionality. The fleet was already actively addressing fleet efficiency and reducing petroleum consumption by using more efficient light-emitting diode hazard warning signs and encouraging personnel to turn off vehicles when not in use. However, with a fleet of 328 on-road vehicles and a duty to serve the more than one million customers in seven western New York counties, NYSDOT Region 4 wanted to ensure they were reducing idling at every opportunity. On-board data collection gathered details on the route, engine, vehicle and driver operational characteristics from ¾-ton pickups, 6-passenger pickups, stake rack trucks, and small dump trucks. Specific monitored parameters included engine speed, vehicle speed, fuel rate, global positioning system data, and a variety of vehicle state and environmental conditions as available. The diversity of vehicle functions during cold- and warm-weather seasons contributed to significantly different operational characteristics throughout the year. Energetics Incorporated used the collected data to develop vehicle profiles from which an implementation plan of idling reduction solutions was developed. The next phase of this project will use the implementation plan to pilot test and deploy the recommended solutions into the NYSDOT Region 4 fleet with the goal of subsequent replication across New York State.