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Press
Releases - 2000
Trial
of alternative fuel light buses launched
A spokesman
for the Environmental Protection Department said the trial
of alternative fuel light buses was launched today (June 3)
as part of a key government initiative to reduce air pollution
from diesel vehicles.
A total
of 11 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) light buses and five electric
light buses will take part in the six-month trial.
"The
purpose of the trial is to collect local operational data
of LPG light buses and electric light buses and to ascertain
that these vehicles can meet the local commercial operating
conditions.
"To achieve
the most reliable results, the light buses under trial will
be operated and managed by experienced public light bus operators,"
the spokesman said.
The light
buses will run on seven green minibus routes and one red minibus
routes covering roads with different conditions.
Electric
light buses emit no pollutants during operation while LPG
light buses emit only a negligible amount of particulates
and 50 per cent less nitrogen dioxide compared with diesel
light buses.
If the
trial is successful, the Government will work out a scheme
to introduce these clean alternatives to phase out diesel
light buses.
A committee
comprised of members from the public light bus trade, experts
from universities and representatives from the relevant government
departments has been formed to prepare for the trial.
Officiating
at today's launching ceremony were the Secretary for the Environment
and Food, Mrs Lily Yam; the Acting Secretary for Transport,
Mr Kevin Ho; the Director of Environmental Protection, Mr
Rob Law; the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman;
the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Leung
Cham-tim; and the Director of Fire Services, Mr John Tsang.
Other
officiating guests included the Chairman of the Environmental
Campaign Committee, Mr Ronnie Wong; the Government Transport
Manager (Planning) of the Government Land Transport Agency,
Mr Sam Hui; the Chairman of the Health Promotion Committee
of the Hong Kong Tuberculosis Chest and Heart Diseases Association,
Professor Lee Shiu-hung; and the Assistant Director of Broadcasting,
Mr Shiu Lo-sin.
End/Saturday,
June 3, 2000
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