The state government has foreshadowed the provision of a $15,000 grant and 20 per cent reduction in the lease rate for up to 10 taxis in a trial of "green taxis" for Perth.
The state government has foreshadowed the provision of a $15,000 grant and 20 per cent reduction in the lease rate for up to 10 taxis in a trial of "green taxis" for Perth.
The full text of an announcement from Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan is pasted below
Perth's taxi fleet is turning a shade 'greener' with new incentives to encourage more environmentally friendly vehicles on city streets.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said a $15,000 grant and a 20 per cent reduction in the lease rate would be available for up to 10 full time taxis which met the fuel efficiency and emission standards of petrol-electric hybrid cars.
Ms MacTiernan said to be appropriate for licensing as a 'green' taxi, vehicles must:
- have a 5-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.
"There are obvious benefits to the whole community and the environment if vehicles use less fuel and produce fewer greenhouse gases, this initiative will tell us if 5-star vehicles can operate viably as taxis in Perth," she said.
"We will monitor the performance of these vehicles over the next year and then look at what can be done to increase the proportion of 'green' taxis in Perth's fleet.
"As well as the $15,000 grant, the cost of the conventional lease plate for a 'green' taxi will be reduced from $250 per week to $200 per week.
"Owner operators could also be eligible for the grant component of the package.
"The incentives recognise that while the cost of compliant vehicles is comparable to conventional cars, the industry typically uses second hand vehicles and there are fewer such hybrids available.
"However, the potential savings in fuel costs along with the reduced fees should make this opportunity very attractive for taxi operators.
"Ten hybrid vehicles would emit at least 410 tonnes less CO2 and use about $43,000 less fuel, compared to petrol/LPG taxis, when driven for 200,000 kilometres 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."
Individual operators could save about $35,000 in fuel costs per car, over the same period.
"If there are other suitable vehicles which meet the 5-star standards we will be very happy to consider them," the Minister said.
