LPG minibus starts to serve Aberdeen

Members of the public travelling between Aberdeen and Causeway Bay should not be surprised if they find the minibus they are riding on is LPG fuelled.

The alternative fuel minibus was officially introduced on GMB route no 5 today (June 5), when the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, cut the ribbon at the minibus terminus in Aberdeen and took the first trip to northern Hong Kong Island in support of the Ride Green Day.

Speaking after the ride, Mr Footman said the LPG minibus was quiet and comfortable.

"The Government is committed to improving the environment through the use of cleaner fuel by public transport modes. The trial of alternative fuel light buses is one of the many measures after the LPG taxi scheme," Mr Footman said.

The trial of alternative fuel light buses is being implemented in two stages to tie in with vehicle delivery. The first stage using eight alternative fuel light buses started today in which one LPG light bus has been deployed.

One other LPG light bus will be deployed on a RMB route between Mong Kok and Ho Man Tin (Oi Man Estate) from tomorrow, and another two LPG light buses will be introduced on the NT GMB route No 1A plying between Sai Kung and Choi Hung from June 7.

The fourth route between Chai Wan MTR and Siu Sai Wan (Route no 47M) will be introduced later this month.

The second stage of the trial which covers four routes (NT 803 Hin Keng to Lee On; HK 58 Kennedy Town to Aberdeen; NT 481 Fo Tan to Tsuen Wan and Kowloon 48 Shun Lee to Kowloon Bay) will start next month. It will involve another eight alternative fuel light buses.

The Transport Department will monitor the trial through a monitoring committee, with representatives from academics, relevant government bureaux, trade associations, fleet managers and vehicle manufacturers.

End/Monday, June 5, 2000

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