Citybus aims to convert a diesel bus into an electric trolley bus by the end of this year, the first of many planned in an experimental scheme.
John Blay, the company's engineering consultant, said yesterday such buses could withstand fluctuations in oil prices and would cause less pollution. 'The rise in the price of oil products, and not just diesel fuel, would eventually hit everyone using vehicles,' he said. 'If the price increases, and we think about the operating costs, the trolley bus would look more attractive than the diesel one.'
The company has pledged $5 million to develop the system and hopes a six-month trial will begin by the year's end. Mr Blay said he expected at least 40 per cent of the firm's 1,100 buses could be changed to the trolley system in 10 to 15 years, if the Government approved.
He said the main roads on Hong Kong Island running from North Point to Kennedy Town could first be equipped with the trolley system. A trolley bus is about 70 per cent more expensive than a diesel one, but it is expected to last more than 20 years.