By IANS,
Dubai : Dubai has started experimental operation of environment-friendly hybrid taxis, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The pilot testing project was inaugurated Wednesday by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai.
“Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and General Motors will embark on the experimental operation of 10 hybrid cars for one year as taxis. During this period measurements will be made to identify the capability of hybrid car batteries to endure the heat in the area and their lifetime,” said Mattar Al Tayer, executive director of Dubai RTA.
“RTA is seeking a complete renovation of all mass transit systems in the emirate of so that it becomes environment-friendly,” he added.
Al Tayer said that following the results of the experiment, RTA would start gradual substitution of taxis in Dubai with environment-friendly vehicles and this would pave the way for operating public transport buses with hybrid engines.