Govt’s reversal in backing CNG cars disappointing [Letters]

Letter by Alexander C. Melchers, The Straits Times, 7 Oct 2011.

It is unfortunate that the Government, which supported the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for cars, has made a U-turn (‘CNG car owners may be allowed to ditch gas for petrol‘; Tuesday).

The Government should not allow car owners to convert their greener CNG cars back to purely petrol-fuelled vehicles, and worse, should not require them to repay the tax rebate.

Instead, the Government should help CNG drivers obtain fuel at competitive rates and at a larger number of stations to root out the cause of dissatisfaction in using these cars.

There are only three CNG stations which are easily accessible – Old Toh Tuck, Mandai and Serangoon North – and not six because the station operated by SPC closed and the two others on Jurong Island are inaccessible to the public. The view that CNG car buyers did not know what they were in for is inaccurate. Previously, the Government had firmly pointed to a CNG station network that would grow to sustainable levels. Read more

CNG car owners may be allowed to ditch gas for petrol [News]

By Christopher Tan, The Straits Times, 4 Oct 2011.

MOTORISTS now disenchanted with their compressed natural gas (CNG) cars may be allowed to dismantle the CNG kit to revert to petrol-only rides.

If they do this, however, they will have to pay back the tax rebate they enjoyed when they bought the car.

The amount to be paid back could be pegged to the number of years remaining in the 10-year lifespan of the car; an administrative fee may also be levied.

The news came as the Government announced yesterday that the rebate scheme for CNG cars will be extended by another year until the end of next year.

The rebate, at 40 per cent of the car’s additional registration fee, comes to $6,000 to $8,000 for a compact Japanese car. Read more

End Of Road For CNG Cars? [News]

22 Feb 2011 – With compressed natural gas (CNG) cars being ineligible for the green vehicle rebate (GVR) and a duty being levied on gas from next year, two reactions have surfaced.

In one camp are the detractors, who say the developments will sound the death knell for the sputtering CNG industry.

In the other are proponents who believe that gas will still be cheaper than other fuels, even with the levy.

The GVR – given out in the last decade to buyers of CNG, petrol- electric hybrid and full-electric cars – reduces the main car registration tax by 40 per cent.

The rebate was supposed to have expired by the end of this year, but it was announced at last week’s Budget that it would be extended until Dec 31 next year.

But not for CNG cars. Read more

Green Your Transport

According to the National Climate Change Strategy report, transportation accounts for 19% of Singapore’s total carbon emissions in 2005. You can play a part to reduce your carbon emissions from transport in the following ways:

Public Transportation

In Singapore, we enjoy a wide range of public transportation such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), buses and taxis, which provide services covering the entire Singapore at reasonable fares. You can choose to take public transport and do away with cars. Visit PublicTransport@SG or gothere.sg to find out how to get around Singapore and plan your journey.

Walk and Cycle

You can choose to walk for short journeys or cycle to your destination and workplace. It’s a good way to exercise too. Check out the mrbrown’s Quick Guide to Bicycle Commuting in Singapore.

Foldable bicycles are now allowed on trains and buses (Mon to Fri: 9.30am-4pm and 8pm to end of service; All day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays). Check out this comparison chart of foldable bicycles that are available in Singapore.

The Park Connector Network allows you to cycle through the parks in Singapore and enjoy the greenery.

Shop Online

There are more companies providing online stores where you can do your shopping at the comfort of your home. Shopping online saves time and reduces your need to drive and travel. You can also save money if you buy in bulk and reduce impulse buying.

Park and Ride

Park & Ride (P&R) is a scheme that allows you to drive to a selected site near an MRT station, bus interchange or bus stop, park your vehicle there and continue your journey by bus or MRT. You can enjoy attractive season parking rates at designated sites as well as avoid the high parking fees in the Central Business District (CBD), and also avoid the ERP charges during peak hours. This helps to save you fuel and money, and also reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

Carpool and Carsharing

Carpooling is the shared use of a car between someone who has a car and those who wants to share the ride. For carpool opportunities, check out sgCarpool, Carpool.SG or Carpool King.

Carsharing allows you the freedom of using a car as and when you want it, without the worries of car ownership. You can book the car and collect it at selected locations. Check out these carsharing schemes: NTUC Income Car Coop, KahShare, and WhizzCar.

Fuel Efficient Vehicles

From 1 April 2009, registered suppliers of motor vehicles must affix a Fuel Economy Label (FEL) on the vehicles. The FEL shows the fuel consumption of the vehicle, which indicates how much fuel is needed for traveling a certain distance (L/100km, kg/100km or Wh/km). For cars with similar engine capacity, a higher fuel consumption means that the car is less fuel efficient. When you’re buying a new car, remember to look at the FEL and choose a fuel efficient car.

Green Vehicles

When buying a new vehicle, choose a green vehicle such as hybrid cars, CNG cars or electric scooters. Owners of new hybrid, electric and CNG cars will enjoy the Green Vehicle Rebate. The rebate is equivalent to 40% of the car’s Open Market Value (OMV) that can be used to offset the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) payable at registration.

Good Driving Habits

Practise these good driving habits to reduce fuel consumption:

• Plan your car trip early
• Maintain your car regularly
• Keep the tyres properly inflated
• Avoid excess weight in the boot
• Avoid sudden braking and acceleration

More tips can be found in the Singapore Environment Council’s Green Transport Guide.

Fly Less

You can make a conscious choice to fly less. Instead of flying off for a holiday, you can stay in Singapore and visit local attractions or natural habitats. Check out our local nature areas and discover the wonderful multitude of flora and fauna. You can visit wildsingapore for information on the various nature areas and the biodiversity found there.

Instead of taking the plane to visit someone overseas, you can always chat online and make a video call using Skype or Google video chat. It’s free!

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Image credit: Rail System Map via LTA; anjsand; Fuel Economy Label via NEA.