City Fleet 1# in Nation

By Beth Lindley

Special to the Observer

The Culver City Transportation Department is riding high after being named an Elite Fleet by Government Fleet magazine. The award was announced in late June, and involves a fleet having previously been No. 1 Best Municipal Fleet by Government Fleet. The Culver City fleet was named No. 1 in 2013.

The City of Culver issued a press release congratulating the fleet on its achievements.

"Only previously #1 ranked fleets can participate in the Elite Fleet program which identifies only the best of the best," the release stated. "Since the inception of this program, only five municipal fleets have been name an Elite Fleet."

To be selected as an Elite Fleet, a fleet must showcase accountability, creativity and efficiency, among other qualities. CCTD possessed these and more, as evidenced by the fleet's impressive record of awards and accolades.

Since 2006, Culver City has maintained a spot in the top 12 fleets in North America. The department's Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Division was 2013's No. 1 Best Overall Government Fleet, No. 1 Best Green Fleet in North America in 2009 and won the prestigious Natural Gas Vehicle America Leadership Award in 2008.

The fleet issued a lot of major changes in order to maintain its high-ranking reputation: It redesigned its utilization and replacement program, revised its benchmarking program and continued its commitment to compressed natural gas.

Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells said that, with the department's continued engagement with eco and cost-friendly fuel as well, it will certainly be a leader in its field for years to come.

"Culver City has been a progressive leader in its commitment to maintaining a highly efficient operation and because of its use of natural gas as its alternative fuel of choice recycling and refuse trucks, transit buses, Public Works vehicles, and automobiles," Sahli-Wells said. "These vehicles conserve over 850,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel per year and save taxpayers more than $1.4 million annually."