- 71 ·
(a)
(b)
(c)
whether it is currently undertaking a research project on the use of natural gas to replace diesel oil as bus fuel; if so, what is the progress of the project;
what are the technical difficulties involved in requiring local franchised buses to switch to the use of natural gas, and whether it is feasible to put this into effect; and
whether, the Government has consulted the public transport trade in the course of the research; if not, why not?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
(c)
An inter-departmental working group has recently been set up to co- ordinate efforts in studying the potential use of alternative fuel vehicles, including gas and electric vehicles. Some private companies have also undertaken exploratory studies on the technical feasibility of introducing gas as a motor fuel in Hong Kong. We have been involved in the initial discussions but no firm proposal has been received to date.
A number of issues must be fully examined before gas can be used on local franchised buses. These include availability and reliability of gas supply, storage and distribution arrangements, refuelling facilities, availability of suitable gas buses which meet local transportation needs, gas infrastructure and support for the installation and maintenance of systems, as well as risk and safety factors.
We are still considering the infrastructure and technical aspects of using gas as a motor fuel in Hong Kong. We are not yet in a position to consult the public transport trade.
End