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Transportation Sustainability Program

Purpose

The purpose of the iCare Transportation Sustainability Program is to reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and support community health while maintaining high-quality, compliant nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. This program aligns sustainability with cost control, regulatory compliance, and long-term growth.

Program Goals

  • Reduce Environmental Impact
  • Lower fuel consumption and emissions
  • Reduce waste and paper usage
  • Improve Operational Efficiency
  • Optimize routing and vehicle utilization
  • Extend vehicle lifespan through proactive maintenance
  • Support Community & Patient Well-Being
  • Promote cleaner transportation options
  • Encourage responsible business practices among employees
  • Ensure Regulatory & Broker Alignment
  • Align with Maryland state expectations, Medicaid brokers, and healthcare sustainability initiatives

Scope

This program applies to: iCare-owned vehicles and operations – Administrative and dispatch operations

Sustainability Initiatives

1. Fleet & Fuel Management

  • Gradual transition to fuel-efficient, hybrid, or low-emission vehicles where operationally feasible
  • Regular vehicle maintenance schedules to improve fuel efficiency
  • Tire pressure monitoring and preventive maintenance checks
  • Reduced vehicle idling policy (engines off when stopped longer than 3 minutes unless medically necessary)

2. Route Optimization & Technology

  • Use of dispatch and routing software to minimize deadhead miles
  • Trip bundling where permitted by brokers and patient safety standards
  • Real-time GPS monitoring to reduce unnecessary mileage

3. Driver Training & Engagement

  • Annual eco-driving training covering:
  • Smooth acceleration and braking
  • Efficient speed management
  • Reduced idling
  • Incentivize drivers who demonstrate fuel-efficient driving habits and low incident rates

4. Paper Reduction & Digital Operations

  • Electronic trip sheets, billing, and documentation where permitted
  • Digital driver onboarding packets and agreements
  • Secure electronic storage of records to reduce printing

5. Waste Reduction & Recycling

  • Recycling of paper, tires, batteries, and vehicle fluids through approved vendors
  • Proper disposal of medical-related waste in compliance with regulations
  • Encourage reusable supplies where appropriate

6. Driver Training & Engagement

  • Support local community health initiatives when feasible
  • Participate in regional clean transportation or sustainability programs
  • Encourage employee awareness of environmental responsibility

Measurement & Reporting

iCare will track the following indicators annually: – Fuel consumption per mile – Average miles per trip – Fleet maintenance compliance rates – Paper usage reduction – Percentage of fuel-efficient vehicles in service Findings may be used for internal planning, broker reporting, and continuous improvement.

Governance & Oversight

Program oversight by iCare management

Annual review and updates to reflect regulatory changes and operational needs

Sustainability practices incorporated into internal policies and procedures where applicable

Continuous Improvement

iCare Transportation is committed to continuous improvement of its sustainability practices through technology adoption, staff engagement, and responsible partnerships.

This Sustainability Program may be updated periodically to reflect evolving best practices, regulatory guidance, and business priorities.