South Africa: Government plans to convert 400 taxis to LPG

The Department of Transport of South Africa is planning the scrapping of over 1,900 vehicles and converting 400 to use alternative fuel. The agency presented its progress on the Taxi Recapitalisation Projects (TRP) to the Portfolio Committee on Transport on 20 May.

These initiatives include new measures to open retail markets for the taxi industry to participate in, building automated fare collection into the systems, and creating an app-based environment for owners and entrepreneurs in the sector.

Another key project, which has also been floated for wider use in South Africa, is a conversion plan to allow taxis to use LPG as fuel. This would give taxis a stable and existing fuel source, with savings to operators of between 30% and 35%, according to the Department, while also benefiting the environment.

Operators would run cleaner engines with longer lifespans and maintenance, with bi-fuel systems suggested for longer range. An added benefit is that formal pumps for LPG already exist at specific forecourts, while other measures, such as mounted portable units, could be used in more remote areas.

Currently, only seven taxis have been converted as part of the Autogas pilot project, but the department said it is developing a national rollout model with the plan to install 400 conversion kits.

Source: Business Tech

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