What is the purpose of the Green Taxi Trial?
Applications for the Green Taxi Trial Program are now closed. The trial allows the Department to monitor the performance and viability of these environmentally friendly vehicles as an alternative to petrol or LPG only taxi vehicles.
How long will the trial run?
The green taxis have successfully completed the first year evaluation. However, the Department will continue to closely monitor the performance of participating 15 Green Taxis for a trial period of five years.
How will the Department continue to monitor the performance and viability of Green taxis?
Green taxis trial participants are required to give their feedback on the vehicle via:-
- Regular consultation with the Department about the day to day running of the vehicle.
- Periodically submitting statistics regarding fuel consumption and service costs
- Reporting on any uncharacteristic maintenance requirements
Green Taxis Trail Evaluation – Initial results
An independent customer satisfaction survey of the Green taxi users has revealed strong support from the people of metropolitan WA. The survey has reported more than 93 percent satisfaction in each criteria surveyed (i.e. sufficient space for passengers and luggage as well as in the quietness of the ride and comfort of the seats). Additionally, these Green Taxis are more fuel efficient and hence are returning the expected cost savings. Initial fuel consumption data reveals that the Green taxis are averaging between 4.6 – 5.0 litres per hundred kms. Nine of the taxis have completed their first anniversary and no unusual maintenance requirements have been reported by any of the operators.
Green Taxi policy amendmentsThe initial evaluation results of the Green Taxi trial are promising. Hence, the Department has amended its taxi licensing policy to enable operators to choose a petrol-electric Hybrid vehicle as their taxi. The following Green taxi policy amendments will be applicable:
- The vehicle must be a Department approved 5 star rated petrol-electric vehicle.
- Plate lessees will still be entitled to a 20 per cent lease subsidy (same as before) if they choose to use Toyota Prius Hybrid or any other 5 star rated hybrid car as their taxi (with the Department's approval).
- The proposed hybrid taxi must also meet the Department's taxi specifications for Green Taxis. The 20 per cent lease subsidy will immediately cease if the operator replaces their hybrid taxi with a non-hybrid vehicle.
- The prior requirement for the taxi to be brand new is no longer applicable to receive the lease subsidy only.
- Please note that any new taxi operators wishing to operate a Department approved 5 star rated hybrid vehicle as a taxi will not be part of the Green Taxi trial and will therefore not be required to provide any statistics or sign any grant related paperwork other than the deed of lease variation (if they choose to benefit from the lease subsidy).
What is a 5 star rated petrol-electric hybrid vehicle?
A 5-star rating applies to vehicles that have low fuel consumption, low greenhouse gas emissions and also low air pollution, which is another important Government objective.
For more information about 5 star-rated vehicles please visit the Green vehicle guide at http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/.
Benefits of using a 5 star rated petrol-electric hybrid
- Reductions in fuel costs, fuel emissions and noise
- No LPG cylinder to partially occupy the available boot space.
Further information
For further information, see the media statement or contact passenger services. |
