Mustafa Shafawi Channel NewsAsia 20 Jul 10;
SINGAPORE: Diesel hybrid buses could be a common sight on the roads if a trial by SBS Transit proves that the technology is suitable for Singapore's roads.
The initiative is a result of a collaboration between the bus operator and local and foreign academics, as well as foreign bus manufacturers.
Speaking at the launch of the trial, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Teo Ser Luck says transport is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitting sectors in the world.
It accounts for 23 per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
He says with population and economic growth, transport-related CO2 emissions in Asia alone are estimated to double between 2006 and 2030 to 2.3 billion tons.
Mr Teo says the challenge for the transport community he says is to develop sustainable strategies to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and limit greenhouse gases emissions.
Aside from the diesel bybrid bus, SBS Transit is also testing out a bus which makes use of fuel cells, which emits zero pollution.
It's not only green buses that are being put on trial.
Sembcorp Environment is testing out a new environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG) waste collection truck.
It says the one year trial aims to test market response and customer demand for CNG vehicles in the municipal, industrial and commercial waste market.
Sembcorp Environment chief operating officer Goh Swee Ooi said the trial is in line with the company's effort to introduce promising new green technologies and solutions to serve its customers.
The truck is powered by GPlus CNG, which is marketed by Sembcorp's natural gas business.
It complies with the rigorous Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle (EEV) standard.
Sembcorp Environment says the truck's carbon dioxide emissions are below the limits set by the Euro5 standard, the European emission standard for commercial vehicle.
It will also be 50 per cent quieter than a conventional diesel truck.
The company says these reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and noise will mean noticeable benefits for customers in areas which the new truck will be serving.
The truck's design also makes it easier and safer for the driver and crew members to get in and out of it.
- CNA/jm
