Dong Nai to discuss use of CNG buses

The People's Committee of Dong Nai province yesterday worked with other agencies and Sonadezi Transport Company to discuss the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in the province.

The provincial Transport Department said that with the rapid development of the economy, the increase in industrial zones and demand for public vehicles, the current transport infrastructure is unable to cope with the demand.

There are about 1,300 buses involved in picking over 65,500 workers in 30 industrial zones in the province each day. However, the current public transport vehicle system meets only 20 per cent of workers' demand.

To deal with the problem, Sonadezi Company, the investor of CNG buses, has proposed to the committee the use 500 new CNG-powered buses replacing the current diesel-powered buses, in an effort to reduce environment pollution.

According to the company's initial calculation, the emission of carbon will reduce sharply and can save nearly VND8 billion (US$363,600) in fuel costs each year.

Trần Văn Quang, deputy director of transport department, said the project will also contribute to the protection of the environment.

Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee, Tran Van Vinh, has asked the transport department and Sonadezi Company co-ordinate with HCM City and Binh Dưong province, who also have the same project, to unify the investment plan and policy recommendation to the government on the implementation of CNG-powered buses.

The total cost for the project, which includes 500 buses and setting up of CNG filling stations, is VND640 billion ($29 million).

The project will help limit exhaust fumes and improve development of environment-friendly public transport vehicles, the representative of the company said.

It will also hope to attract more people to use public transport to limit traffic jams at rush hours and traffic accidents.

(Source:VNS)