Efficiency by Collaboration.

A few thoughts from Paul Jansen, Executive Director of Fleet Forum.

In times of tightening budgets and increasing scrutiny over operational costs, organisations face pressure to do more with less. But what if the key to efficiency and to reducing environmental and safety risks doesn’t lie solely in cutting budgets, but in collaboration?

Take ride and vehicle-sharing as an example. Pooling resources across teams, departments, or even organisations can generate multiple benefits. Shared vehicles reduce fleet costs, and make better use of existing resources. Fewer vehicles on the road also results in lower emissions, contributing to environmental targets and supporting donors’ Greening priorities. Last, but not least, fewer vehicles reduce road safety risk.

And here's the thing: donors themselves are signalling that collaboration is no longer optional. Funding frameworks increasingly encourage initiatives that reduce emissions, and projects demonstrating efficiency through collaboration are often prioritised.

So, if vehicle and ride-sharing is a proven and tangible way to achieve these goals… why is adoption still inconsistent? What’s the “magic trigger” that turns a good plan into everyday practice? Is it culture, resistance to change, or simply a lack of awareness of the tangible benefits?

In the current funding crisis, it can be the choice between reducing vehicles or reducing staff. That’s where I’d like to open the conversation. In a world of limited resources, could collaboration be the key to driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability all at once? And if so, what’s really stopping us from taking that step today?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Paul Jansen,

Executive Director

Fleet Forum