Riders manages every type, make or model of vehicle effectively so that it does not break down and so that it performs optimally for its intended mechanical life. Furthermore, Riders undertakes training vehicle users, technical staff and fleet managers both internally and for partner organizations.
Riders’ work reduces fleet maintenance costs: its focus is on conserving and maximizing the resources of ministries of health and other partners. The organization has also developed a unique pricing mechanism, based on a "cost per kilometre" (CPK) calculator, which generates a precise understanding of how much money vehicles are using in terms of management, fuel and parts.
The program's innovative aspect is the design of an appropriate, sustainable infrastructure in which to manage vehicles used in the harshest of conditions of the African terrain. The system, which is known as Transport Resource Management (TRM), focuses on preventive maintenance. It has been tried, tested and costed, and has the potential to be replicated across Africa.
The key elements in Riders' work are:
a) Rider and driver training
b) Daily maintenance checks by riders/drivers
c) Outreach maintenance
d) Parts supply chain
e) High technical standards
f) Accurate costings
To sustain the TRM system, and build local capacity and a strong maintenance culture, Riders also established the International Academy of Vehicle Management in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Riders operates on a national scale in Lesotho, The Gambia and Zimbabwe and on a regional scale in Malawi, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria. Its programs currently provide access to health care to 10.5 million people across Africa, with over 300 members of staff managing over 1,400 vehicles being used to deliver health care on a regular basis.
Additional Information:
Case Study by Stanford Social Innovation Review