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Franklin County Commissioners kicked off 2008 by asking local cab companies who the county does business with to get ‘green’ by employing the county’s environmental policy, in their daily business.
The good news? Super Shuttle, Acme Enterprises Inc, and Bobcat Radio Service Inc. all recently agreed to use fuel efficient measures whenever possible and practical in the operation of transportation business that involves the county. The idea of going ‘green’ to save the environment has caught on across the country in both the public and private sectors. In 2006, the Commissioners adopted Resolution 683-06 which includes a commitment to meeting today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
“As we move ahead in 2008 we have to educate our transportation contractors on how to be environmentally friendly,” stated Board President Marilyn Brown. “Resolution 683-06, our ‘green’ policy initiative does just that while protecting our environment and being fiscally responsible.”
All three companies provide transportation services for county residents through the Department of Job and Family Services. The services help provide transportation to medical appointments and job opportunities that are not on the COTA bus line. County officials negotiated a commitment to promoting fuel efficiency and reducing air pollution.
“We look every day for new ways that Franklin County can become more sustainable,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “By working with companies who will follow our environmental policy, Franklin County becomes more environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible.”
County officials worked on the contract commitment that states that the contractors must maintain proper vehicle maintenance such as keeping tires inflated, changing oil, and replacing air filters regularly that can produce up to a 10 percent increase in fuel economy. The agreement also promotes good driving habits and urges companies to consider the purchase of energy conserving motor oil and to consider purchasing alternative fuel vehicles.
“It is of the utmost importance that cab companies conducting business with Franklin County adhere to our ‘green’ standards,” stated Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Working together to employ practical solutions is a positive change that ensures a more sustainable future.”
Commissioners will expand the Green Policy Initiative on future contracts for transportation services with the Department on Aging that are used to transport senior citizens to medical appointments.
Franklin County Commissioners urge county contractors and residents to be environmentally friendly by practicing the following steps:
Vehicle Maintenance
- Keep tires properly inflated. Under inflated tires cost up to 1 mpg.
- Change oil filer as recommended.
- Use grade of oil recommended by manufacturer.
- Use radial rather than belted tires.
- Replace spark plugs at regularly. Can produce up to a 10 percent increase in fuel economy.
- Make sure wheels are balanced and front end is properly aligned.
Promote the following Driving Habits
- Avoid extended warm-ups.
- Avoid unnecessary idling. Prolonged idling uses ½ gallon of gas per hour. When waiting to pick up customers, our drivers should shut off the engine.
- Avoid sudden stops and starts. Hard acceleration uses up to 1/3 more gas.
- Avoid excessive braking. This can be avoided by downshifting or taking foot off the gas.
- Avoid topping off the gas tank.
- Maintain the proper speed limit.
- Don’t carry unnecessary equipment in the trunk.
- In winter clean accumulated snow and ice form truck hood and roof to reduce weight and air drag.
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