New environmentally friendly taxis are now green and more easily seen
The streets of Perth are turning green with the launch of the Western Australia’s distinctive ‘green’ taxi fleet. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said patrons would be able to spot the environmentally friendly vehicles on city streets, through their markings and the slogan - ‘Give the Planet a Fare Go’.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The streets of Perth are turning green with the launch of the Western Australia’s distinctive ‘green’ taxi fleet.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said patrons would be able to spot the environmentally friendly vehicles on city streets, through their markings and the slogan - ‘Give the Planet a Fare Go’.
Earlier this year, Ms MacTiernan announced that a $15,000 grant and a 20 per cent reduction in the lease rate would be available for up to 15 full-time taxis which met the fuel efficiency and emission standards of petrol-electric hybrid cars.
“As well as the four ‘green’ taxis on the road today, another nine operators have put up their hands to join the fleet,” the Minister said.
“This initiative will tell us if five-star vehicles can operate viably as taxis in Perth.
“We are monitoring the performance of the ‘green’ taxis and next year we will look at what needs to be done to increase the proportion of these vehicles in Perth’s taxi fleet.
“The incentives, which are available to lease plate holders and taxi plate owners, have helped overcome a conservative attitude towards new vehicles.
“In Canada, a hybrid taxi has logged up more than 400,000km and more than 300 hybrids are operating in New York taxi fleet.
“There are obvious benefits to the whole community and the environment when vehicles use less fuel and produce fewer greenhouse gases.
“Every10 hybrid vehicles emit at least 410 tonnes less CO2 and use about $43,000 less fuel, compared with petrol/LPG taxis, when driven for 200,000km each year.
“This means that over eight years - the typical life of a taxi - greenhouse gases will be cut by 60 per cent or about 3,000 tonnes.”
Ms MacTiernan said to be appropriate for licensing as a ‘green’ taxi, vehicles must: have a five-star rating as published in the Green Vehicle Guide; be a new vehicle capable of seating four passengers; comply with minimum access requirements and have adequate luggage space; be fitted with taxi equipment; and have a current comprehensive insurance policy. “We are very happy to consider any suitable vehicles which meet the 5 Star standard for participation in this trial,” she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
Related Content
Release Date
This story was released on 2007-11-26. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.