Ogun state government to deploy compressed natural gas mass transit vehicles for operations
The Ogun State Government has conclude plans in the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity, for fueling vehicles across the state, a policy aimed of promoting the use alternative clean sources of energy.
Penpushing reports that the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Gbenga Dairo made this known when taking delivery of vehicle Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, explaining that the global objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
The Commissioner added that the government further recognizes that, compared with diesel fuel, the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel in vehicles also has the added advantage of reductions in vehicle operating and maintenance costs.
Penpushing further reports that Dairo, emphasized that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s initiative to adopt Compresses Natural Gas(CNG) fuel for state owned rolling stock assets aligns with the state transport policy objectives co-developed with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UKFCDO).
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Sola Osasona, stated that the project, in partnership with MAUTO HOLDO DMCC, would have a first phase consisting of installing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits on 15 Ashok Leyland mass transit buses and 2 Hyundai buses in use by Ogun state MDAs.
Penpushing also reports that he added that it will soon to commence conversion process for the pilot phase will serve as a test run and is expected to take between four to six weeks, adding that It will involve the Bus Mass Transit buses currently in operation in the state capital, Abeokuta
The Commissioner disclosed that, as well as others to be deployed in the fleet to serve the planned Mowe-Berger Axis BMT scheme (also co-developed with UKFCDO) ahead of its full rollout across the state once the expected operational and environmental performance advantages have been verified and confirmed.
Penpushing reports that Dairo noted that MAUTO have deployed specialist engineers and technicians to the state to provide ‘hands-on’ training to locally based auto mechanics and technicians on Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) conversion
The Commissioner stated that MAUTO is equally working with the state government towards entering into a joint venture to plan, design and establish a modern workshop facility with adequate capacity to undertake industrial scale conversion of vehicles to CNG use.
Penpushing further reports that he explained that, the initiative would lead to a cleaner economy, provide job opportunities during the conversion process, and reduce the cost of fuel, saying that with diesel prices being deregulated and petrol prices increasing, natural gas is currently the cheapest form of fuel.
The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration, Office of the Governor, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described Governor Abiodun as a man who keeps his promises, adding that the delivery of the kits is a testimony to the governor’s commitment to achieving an eco-friendly means of transportation.
Penpushing also reports that on his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Energy, Mr. Olaniji Adedapo, revealed that the State government plans to achieve this through a “Gas-to-Transport” strategy that includes the conversion of all BMT buses to natural gas. He added that the project is also part of a gas-to-power strategy that would light up some parts of the state.
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