74 CNG Taxis failed the inspection and will be grounded

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced this morning, all compressed natural gas (CNG) taxis must undergo a mandatory inspection, by this Thursday (May 25, 2017) before allowing to be on the roads. This comes after the two recent fire incidents on TransCab CNG powered taxis.

Following preliminary investigations, by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said both CNG taxi fires occurred due to the leakage of compressed natural gas within the vehicles, which was then ignited by the lighting of cigarettes.

All 950 CNG taxis in the city-state will need to head to an authorised vehicle inspection centre (AIC) during a three-day period ending May 25, 2017, for the inspection to ensure road worthiness.

The authority said that as of 7 pm on Wednesday, 832 CNG taxis have been inspected, and among them, 74 cabs failed the tests.

These taxis will be grounded and will undergo further investigation and rectification before they are deemed road-worthy.

The LTA said it will step up the inspection regime for taxis.

LTA was “concerned” about the cases of two CNG taxis catching fire recently and decided all compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles – not just taxis – to undergo a mandatory inspection.

There are more than 1,600 CNG private cars on the roads, and their owners will have to get their vehicles checked out at an authorised inspection centre by June 9.

The checks will include a test for gas leakages and the inspection of the condition and mounting of the CNG cylinder and other related components. CNG cabs will have to be inspected every three months, instead of every six months, the authority announced. The same regime will also be applied to the 12 CNG public buses which are also being called up for the same ongoing checks.

“We would like to remind all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are regularly maintained and meet the necessary road-worthiness tests,” the LTA said.

“CNG vehicle owners are also reminded to not smoke in their vehicles, and to send in their vehicles immediately to an AIC (Authorised Inspection Centre) for inspection if they detect any sulphur-type odour (similar to the smell of rotten eggs),” the authority added.

The LTA said that inspection notices will be sent to all private CNG car owners and the cost of the checks will be paid by the authority.

CNG vehicle owners may contact the LTA at 1800-CALL-LTA or visit www.lta.gov.sg for more information.