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New batch of applications approved under Pilot Green Transport Fund (with photo)
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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 1) announced the approval of the fifth batch of applications for the trial of green transport technologies under the Pilot Green Transport Fund (the Fund).

     The two newly approved applications involve the trial of four hybrid light buses for green minibus services. The total subsidy involved is about $3.5 million. The applications were from:

     Big Three Limited
     Hong Kong & China Transportation Consultants Limited

     The Steering Committee of the Fund supported the above applications after its meeting in October.

     This brings the total number of approved applications under the Fund to 37, amounting to a total subsidy of about $87 million. The approved trial projects comprise five electric taxis, 19 electric buses, 12 electric goods vehicles, 24 hybrid goods vehicles and 12 hybrid light buses.

     Two other successful applicants under the Fund, namely Chi Shing Transportation Company and the Hong Kong Automobile Association, have also started the trial of electric van-type light goods vehicles since this August and October respectively. At present, a total of four electric van-type light goods vehicles are being tested under the Fund.

     The Government set up the $300 million Fund in March 2011 to encourage the public transport sector to test green and low-carbon transport technologies. The Fund is open for applications from public transport operators including ferry, taxi and public light bus service operators; charitable and non-profit organisations providing services to their clients; franchised bus and non-franchised public bus service operators; and goods vehicle owners. The technologies for trial include new vehicle types, equipment or machinery related to transport activities, or new retrofit systems resulting in substantially better emissions performance compared with existing models. A transport operator may apply to the Fund to try out different green products subject to a maximum subsidy of $9 million for each application and $12 million in total.
     
     Motor vehicles are the main source of our roadside air pollution and contribute about 17 per cent of local greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting green transport will not only improve air quality but will also reduce carbon emissions, which in turn will help to avert global climate change. Furthermore, it opens up business opportunities for green transport technologies.

     For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk) or call the enquiry hotline on 2824 0022.

Ends/Thursday, November 1, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:01

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