Abu Dhabi: Thousands of taxis in the emirate of Abu Dhabi are becoming more environmentally friendly as they begin to use a combination of fuel sources.

In addition to petrol, taxis are currently being fitted with a system that allows for the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), a fossil fuel source that produces significantly less vehicle emissions and pollutants than petrol.

The initiative comes after a decree by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council in 2010.

In a statement, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAD) told Gulf News: “As per the directive, taxi franchises have to convert 25 per cent of their fleet to CNG fuel systems by the end of 2012.”

Taxis fitted with the CNG systems can then be run using both petrol and CNG.

There are currently six taxi franchises in the emirate, and they operate nearly 7,147 taxis between them. Of these, 1,653 have already been converted to use CNG.

“TransAD is monitoring the efficiency of this project. Each converted vehicle therefore has to spend at least Dh500 each month on the use of CNG as fuel. The process of monitoring and tracking petrol and CNG consumption costs is implemented during the taxi conversion system,” the statement added.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is working with TransAD to install different capacities of gas cylinders based on the make and type of taxis in Abu Dhabi.

According to the statement, air quality will also be improved in the emirate as more vehicles switch to using CNG in the long run. The fuel is also more economical to use.

“There is a cost saving of 30 per cent on using CNG as a fuel compared to petrol,” TransAD confirmed.

Although the current decree calls for only 25 per cent of each franchise’s fleet to be converted to CNG, franchises do have the ability to convert more as they experience the benefits of using CNG instead of petrol.

In addition, TransAD and Adnoc are also conducting lectures for taxi franchises to raise awareness about the benefits of the CNG system. Site visits to the taxi conversion centres have also been organised.

“At present, TransAD is studying, along with car dealerships, the feasibility of providing vehicles fitted with CNG systems from the mother factory,” the statement said.

When contacted by Gulf News, taxi operators did not wish to comment on the initiative.