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SALT LAKE CITY — Neighborhoods in the downtown area will see some changes to parking and recycling, and the people who keep an eye on these city services are getting some new wheels, which will save taxpayers some money.
Sean Stanton, who works in the Education & Outreach department for the SLC Division of Sanitation, makes the rounds in an east bench neighborhood in Salt Lake City, checking to make sure the right trash is in the right garbage bin. But his trusty steed is not a gas-guzzling, diesel-burning truck, it's a sleek three wheeler T3 electric standup vehicle.
"I think (the T3) helps us get around really well, and I think they're a great way for Salt Lake to show the public that it's committed to reducing its carbon footprint," Stanton said.
"We're able to save the fuel, wear and tear on vehicles and we're able to use these T3s, which are pretty much maintenance free," said Mitch Davis, who also works in the Education & Outreach department.
The city has seven of the T3 vehicles and each one logs about nine to 13 miles a day, saving a lot of money in fuel costs, especially compared to big trucks.
It's easier to get around. We interact more with the citizens.
–Catherine Salazar
The city is revamping its fleets, investing in high fuel efficiency vehicles, looking to pick the right size vehicle for the job. So far, the total savings in just a year is $350,000.
The poster child for saving money is the city's parking enforcement fleet. Once performed using four Jeeps, the downtown area is patrolled by six officers on bikes.
"Not only is the benefit related to what it does for the environment, but also the cost benefit," said Ben Roberts, compliance director for Salt Lake City. "It's a lot cheaper to be running the bicycles."
Better air quality and employee fitness are just two of the added benefits.
"It's easier to get around," parking enforcement officer Catherine Salazar said. "We interact more with the citizens."
