Pasadena's 'Green Fleet' is Growing
PASADENA, CA - The City of Pasadena has signed on to the "green fleet" goal. Hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles pop up everywhere from the city's parking enforcement vehicles to its code compliance cars to the popular ARTS buses.
PASADENA, CA - The City of Pasadena has signed on to the "green fleet" goal. Hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles pop up everywhere from the city's parking enforcement vehicles to its code compliance cars to the popular ARTS buses.
The Pasadena Fire Department expects delivery of two $20,000 Toyota Priuses for use by fire-prevention inspectors, Fire Marshal Mark Fasik said. The City Council will consider funding a compressed natural gas fueling station at the city yards for its CNG vehicles.
It's all part of the United Nations' Environmental Accords initiative that city council members signed on to a few years ago, said Councilman Steve Madison, a hybrid car owner.
"It goes back to talking about the whole `green initiative,' ” Madison said. "I know the city owns 700-800 vehicles, and I know we talk about trying to move greener vehicles, be that cleaner fuel or hybrids. Is it enough? There's certainly always room for improvement." Madison, who drove a sport/ utility vehicle until recently, said his motives for buying a Prius weren't entirely environmental.
"I wanted to do my part," he said, "but I got something like a $3,500 tax credit and a car-pool sticker. As a lawyer who charges by the hour, it’s extra value to me to save time on the commute" to downtown Los Angeles.
Fasik said the Fire Department is "slowly turning our prevention fleet into hybrids and more fuel-conscious vehicles" as the current full-size Chevrolet Caprices are replaced. It will take about five years to do a complete hybrid turnover of the 10-car fleet, he said. "Our incentive is to be more environmentally conscious and be more sympathetic to the environment," he said. "We recognize that the city has ‘green' plans and we, too, want to be responsible."
Having a fleet of green vehicles is "one of the goals for Pasadena, and we are well on our way to meeting that goal," city spokeswoman Ann Erdman said. "In some instances, when it comes to public safety, the technology is not quite there yet," she said. "But eventually it will be."
Madison said his fully loaded, four-door $29,000 black Prius sedan comfortably holds his sons and their sports equipment, is great for getting around town, and "surpassed my expectations." It's not his only car, though.
"Well, I just got a fun car I drive occasionally," he said. "A Maserati. It's not as fuel efficient."
More Operations

Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations
James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew
Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.
Read More →
BBL Fleet Acquires Velcor Leasing Corporation
BBL Fleet expanded its footprint in the fleet management industry with the acquisition of Velcor Leasing Corporation of Madison through a stock purchase agreement finalized Feb. 27, 2026.
Read More →
Lytx Introduces New AI Fleet Technologies at Protect 2026
The company introduced new AI-driven fleet safety and operations technologies during its annual user conference.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →From Waffle House to AI: Fleet Trends You Need to Know
In this AF news recap, host Faith Howell covers how Waffle House stepped up during disaster response and new AI tech on the market.
Read More →