Driving Change: Highlights from the Sustainable Transportation Lunch & Learn

On February 11, 2026, local employees and business leaders gathered at the Park City Library for Driving Change: Sustainable Transportation in Action, to hear real-world examples of electric vehicle adoption and car-free commuting. Speakers shared practical insights on fleet electrification, operational planning, and local options to support a car-free workforce that can be implemented today.

Why Electrify Fleets?

Kelbe Goupil of Utah Clean Energy opened by highlighting the outsized pollution impact of heavy-duty vehicles. Though they account for only about 7.5% of vehicle miles traveled in Utah, they produce roughly 30% of transportation pollution and nearly half of vehicle NOx emissions. Electrifying fleets can significantly reduce these impacts while also lowering fuel and maintenance costs and giving businesses access to incentives and rebates.

Her key message: start with data. Analyzing vehicle routes, mileage, and usage helps organizations determine which vehicles are best suited for electrification, how to size fleets efficiently, and what charging infrastructure is needed. She also highlighted a free, bi-monthly Electrified Fleets Community of Practice, where fleet managers can learn from peers and experts.

Summit County reinforced this point by sharing results from a recent fleet analysis showing many organizations operate more vehicles than necessary. Simply right-sizing fleets before electrifying can produce immediate cost savings and emissions reductions.

Real-World Lessons from Fetch Park City

Tony Saylor, owner of Fetch Park City, shared a candid account of transitioning his dog-transport fleet to electric vans. His company operates daily routes of about 100 miles with frequent stops and steep terrain — conditions well suited for EVs.

After a year, he reported:

• About $18,000 in annual fuel savings
• Reduced routine maintenance
• Reliable performance for multi-stop routes
• Quieter rides appreciated by drivers and dogs alike

Challenges included higher upfront costs, charger installation expenses, and initially limited local maintenance options. His biggest pro-tip for businesses: start with one vehicle first to manage the learning curve before scaling up.

Vanpooling: Another Path to Lower Emissions

Transportation planners highlighted the regional Vanpool Pilot Program, which helps employers reduce local traffic and commuting emissions. Summit County and Park City currently subsidize up to 50% of vanpool costs, and businesses can share vans with nearby employers if they have at least four riders. A Guaranteed Ride Home program in Park City provides backup transportation in emergencies, removing a major barrier for participants.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

Across presentations, several themes stood out:

• Use real fleet data to guide decisions.
• Plan charging infrastructure early. Overnight charging is most cost effective.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price.
• Partner with regional programs and peer networks.

Many of these actions — such as adopting an electric-first purchasing policy or supporting alternative commuting — can also earn points toward Green Business Certification.

The next Green Business Lunch & Learn will take place in May and focus on Thriving Community & Equity. Let us know if you are interested in a particular topic!