About this Episode:

In this episode special fleet edition of Infrastructure Matters, recorded at the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference in Melbourne, IPWEA Director Fleet Marc Sibbald sits down with Keith Kerman, Chief Fleet Officer for the City of New York, to explore what it takes to manage one of the world’s largest and most complex municipal fleets.

Keith shares how New York City supports approximately 40,000 fleet assets across more than 50 agencies, including police, fire, sanitation, emergency services, parks and environmental protection. The conversation explores fleet readiness, public reporting, telematics, vehicle utilisation, electrification and the role of data in improving operational decisions. Keith also explains New York City’s approach to Vision Zero, intelligent speed assistance, safer truck design and the development of the next generation of skilled fleet technicians.

From reducing the fleet by 2,000 vehicles to building stronger pathways from schools into automotive careers, this episode demonstrates why fleet should not be treated as a back-office function. It is a strategic enabler of essential public services, community safety and organisational performance.

What You'll Learn

• How New York City manages approximately 40,000 fleet assets across more than 50 agencies delivering essential public services
• Why fleet readiness, utilisation and performance measurement are critical to supporting frontline operations and community outcomes
• How telematics and data analytics are helping fleet leaders make better operational and investment decisions
• New York City's approach to electrification, intelligent speed assistance and safer vehicle design under its Vision Zero strategy
• Why workforce development and technician recruitment are essential to preparing fleets for an increasingly technology-driven future

About the City of New York Fleet:

The City of New York operates one of the largest and most diverse municipal fleets in the world, supporting the delivery of critical public services across more than 50 city agencies. The fleet includes vehicles and equipment used by police, fire, sanitation, emergency management, parks, transportation and environmental protection teams, helping keep the city safe, clean and operational. Through a strong focus on sustainability, safety, data-driven decision-making and fleet optimisation, New York City has become a global leader in public sector fleet management and innovation.

About Keith Kerman:

Keith Kerman is Chief Fleet Officer for the City of New York and Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). He oversees one of the world's largest municipal fleet operations, managing approximately 40,000 fleet assets across more than 50 city agencies. Throughout his career, Keith has championed fleet sustainability, operational efficiency, vehicle safety and workforce development, helping position New York City as a global leader in public fleet management. His work has included advancing fleet electrification, reducing vehicle numbers through optimisation programs, implementing telematics and performance reporting initiatives, and supporting Vision Zero through safer vehicle design and innovative road safety technologies. Keith is widely recognised for demonstrating how fleet management can drive organisational performance, public value and community safety.