Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

Fleet teams are expected to keep essential services moving through emergencies, ageing assets, workforce shortages and rapid technological change, all while maintaining safety, readiness and public accountability.In this episode, Keith Kerman explains how New York City manages one of the world’s largest municipal fleet operations and why the same principles apply whether an organisation operates hundreds of vehicles or tens of thousands.Keith Kerman, Chief Fleet Officer for the City of New York and Deputy Commissioner for Fleet Management, joins Infrastructure Matters host and IPWEA Fleet Director Marc Sibbald to explore:✅ How New York City manages approximately 40,000 owned and contracted fleet assets✅ Why fleet readiness is critical to police, fire, sanitation and emergency services✅ How telematics supports safety, maintenance and vehicle utilisation✅ How fleet data helped New York City reduce its fleet by 2,000 vehicles✅ How Vision Zero and intelligent speed assistance are improving fleet safety✅ How partnerships with schools are developing the next generation of technicians✅ Why fleet leaders need a stronger voice in organisational decision-makingKeith oversees approximately 29,000 city-owned assets and 10,000 contracted school buses supporting more than 50 New York City agencies. The operation includes around 1,300 mechanics, 250,000 annual work orders, 400 fuel sites and 2,500 electric-vehicle chargers.The conversation explores how New York City uses asset-management systems, performance data and public fleet-readiness reporting to monitor availability, maintenance, utilisation and risk before emergencies occur.Keith also explains why telematics should be a foundation of modern fleet management. Better utilisation data allowed the city to share, transfer and remove underused vehicles, reducing the fleet by 2,000 assets.The episode examines New York City’s Safe Fleet Transition initiatives, including truck side guards, high-visibility vehicles, surround cameras, automatic braking, pedestrian alerts and intelligent speed assistance. Keith explains how dynamic speed controls can prevent vehicles from accelerating beyond the posted limit.Workforce capability is another major focus. With assets ageing and replacement vehicles delayed, mechanics face growing pressure to keep critical services operating. Keith shares how partnerships with public schools are creating paid placements, practical automotive training and direct pathways into city fleet careers.The central message is clear: fleet is not simply a support function. It is a strategic enabler of emergency response, safety, sustainability and community service delivery.About Keith KermanKeith Kerman is the Chief Fleet Officer for the City of New York and Deputy Commissioner for Fleet Management. He oversees approximately 40,000 owned and contracted assets supporting more than 50 agencies and is New York City’s first Chief Fleet Officer.About Infrastructure MattersInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals, fleet leaders and local government decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand.Each episode explores the engineering challenges, technological developments, sustainability breakthroughs and leadership strategies shaping infrastructure across Australasia and around the world.🔔 Follow Infrastructure Matters to stay ahead in public works, fleet management and infrastructure asset management.🔗 Connect with IPWEA🌐 Website: https://www.ipwea.org🎙️ Infrastructure Matters: https://www.ipwea.org/podcast🚛 IPWEA Fleet: https://www.ipwea.org/fleet💼 LinkedIn: https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin👥 Become an IPWEA member: https://www.ipwea.org/membership

Fleet teams are managing rapid technological change, increasingly complex vehicles and growing operational demands, all while competing for limited capital.In this episode, Emad Loka explains how fleet professionals can elevate their role, influence senior decision-makers and position fleet as a strategic value-delivery system.Emad Loka, Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, joins Infrastructure Matters host and IPWEA Chief Executive David Jenkins to explore:✅ Why fleet management is evolving into a strategic asset management discipline✅ How to communicate fleet risk and value to executives✅ Why reliable data is essential for long-term planning and resilience✅ How collaboration and professional networks improve fleet decisions✅ Where Australia sits internationally in fleet and asset management✅ How electric vehicles, automation and connected technology are changing fleet careers✅ Why future fleet leaders will need technical, commercial and communication skillsEmad oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting one of Australia’s most critical emergency services.Drawing on experience across engineering, infrastructure, transport, government and the private sector, he shares a practical perspective on why fleet can no longer be viewed simply as a collection of vehicles.Fleet supports employees, essential operations and community outcomes. To secure investment, fleet leaders must clearly explain the operational risk their assets manage, the value they deliver and the consequences of underinvestment.The conversation also looks at long-term planning during rapid technological change, including electric vehicles, alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, automation, robotics and the changing capability required across fleet workshops and leadership teams.About Emad LokaEmad Loka is Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, where he oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting frontline emergency-service operations.An engineer by profession, Emad has worked across road and transport networks, infrastructure, fleet management and both the public and private sectors. His work focuses on strategic fleet planning, asset management, operational resilience and delivering long-term value for organisations and communities.About Infrastructure MattersInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals and local government leaders across Australia and New Zealand.Each episode explores the engineering challenges, technological developments, sustainability breakthroughs and leadership strategies shaping infrastructure across Australasia.🔔 Follow Infrastructure Matters to stay ahead in public works, fleet management and infrastructure asset management.🔗 Connect with IPWEA🌐 Website: https://www.ipwea.org🎙️ Infrastructure Matters: https://www.ipwea.org/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin👥 Become an IPWEA member: https://www.ipwea.org/membership

Public infrastructure must be delivered efficiently—but when procurement controls weaken, public money and public trust can be placed at risk.In this episode, the Hon John Hatzistergos AM, Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, joins host David Jenkins to explore how corruption develops, where contracting systems become vulnerable and how infrastructure professionals can protect the public interest.John also offers practical advice for professionals entering local government and public-sector infrastructure roles: remain focused on the public interest, understand your responsibilities and act when something does not look or feel right.About the Hon John Hatzistergos AMThe Hon John Hatzistergos AM is Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. His career has included service at the NSW Bar, the Australian Crime Commission and the District Court of NSW, as well as senior NSW Government portfolios including Attorney General, Justice and Regulatory Reform.About Infrastructure MattersInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals and local government leaders across Australia and New Zealand. Each episode explores the challenges, innovations and leadership decisions shaping infrastructure across Australasia.Follow Infrastructure Matters on Spotify to receive notifications when new episodes are released.DisclaimerThe views expressed in this podcast are intended solely to highlight emerging issues, risks, and lessons for future learning and discussion. Any references to individuals, organisations, or matters discussed should not be interpreted as casting aspersions, making findings, or passing judgement on any person or entity.

Fleet data is no longer just about GPS tracking — it can help councils improve service delivery, asset management, compliance, and public works operations.In this special fleet edition of Infrastructure Matters, recorded at the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference, Marc Sibbald, Director of Fleet at IPWEA, speaks with Dean Calapai, Global Managing Director and Founder of IntelliTrac, about how telematics, GIS mapping, sensors, work order systems, and AI are transforming council fleet management.Together, they explore how local governments can move beyond “dots on a map” and use fleet technology to improve waste collection, road maintenance, parks operations, street sweeping, pothole detection, safety, compliance, and community outcomes.In this episode, we cover:✅ Why fleet technology is more than GPS vehicle tracking✅ How telematics and GIS mapping can improve council service delivery✅ How fleet data connects vehicles, people, work orders, and assets✅ How AI and sensors can support pothole detection and road maintenance✅ Why fleet leaders should work across departments to solve broader organisational challengesGuest: Dean Calapai, Global Managing Director and Founder, IntelliTracHost: Marc Sibbald, Director of Fleet, IPWEAInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals, fleet leaders, and local government decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand.

Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities.In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government planning.Together, they discuss:✅ Why parks and open spaces should be treated as essential infrastructure✅ How green infrastructure connects to asset management, health and social outcomes✅ Why tree canopy, accessibility, safety and activation matter in public spaces✅ The role of local government in creating healthier, more connected communities✅ Why informal recreation and social connection are shaping the future of public spaces✅ Career pathways into parks, leisure, planning and recreationAnand also shares his perspective on rising infrastructure costs, urban growth, social prescription, community wellbeing, and why stronger collaboration is needed between parks professionals, engineers, planners and asset managers.BUILD YOUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CAPABILITY📗 Green Infrastructure Management Manual - https://www.ipwea.org/resourcesnew/bookshop/gimm🌱 Asset Management for Green Infrastructure - https://www.ipwea.org/ipweacommunities/assetmanagement/am-green-infrastructureMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE🏞️ Parks and Leisure Australia - https://parksleisure.com.au/🏃 parkrun Australia - https://www.parkrun.com.au/🌿 Recreation Aotearoa - https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/BE PART OF THE IPWEA COMMUNITY🎧 Infrastructure Matters Podcast - https://www.ipwea.org/podcast💼 LinkedIn - https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin🤝 Become a member - https://www.ipwea.org/membershipThis week’s Spotify poll:What matters most in a great public space?