As the price gap between petrol and CNG has narrowed, Prime
Taxis will roll out its first batch of eight-seater petrol cabs at
the end of the month.
Twenty auto 1.5-litre Honda Freed models will hit the streets,
with a flag-down rate of $3.50. And five-seater Toyota petrol cabs
are also in the pipeline, revealed Mr Neo Nam Heng, Prime Taxis'
managing director, who plans to revolutionise the diesel-dominated
industry.
He told my paper: "The 1.5-litre Freed is more
fuel-efficient than older 3-litre diesel taxis. Passengers can also
expect quieter and smoother rides."
Petrol prices have fallen over 18 per cent from the year's high,
compared to CNG's 5 per cent drop. At Smart Energy CNG pumps at
Mandai, CNG is now $1.64 per kg, while 95-octane petrol is $1.846 a
litre.
In August, Smart Group gave extra fuel rebates to unhappy
CNG-taxi drivers who complained about high CNG prices.
An advantage for Prime Freed cabbies is that they can avoid the
long queues at Singapore's two CNG stations at Mandai and Jalan
Buroh. Prime operates about 400 bi-fuel taxis.
