Two taxis fitted with compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders recently caught fire. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is concerned and is currently working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to investigate the cause of the fires. Preliminary investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have indicated that both fires resulted from the leakage of CNG within the vehicles, which was then ignited by the lighting of cigarettes. 

Stepped-up Inspections of CNG Taxis and Buses

2   As an immediate precautionary measure, LTA has initiated mandatory inspections for all CNG taxis starting on 23 May 2017. As at 7pm today, inspection of 832 CNG taxis has been completed, of which 74 taxis failed the inspections. All CNG taxis that failed the inspection have been taken off the roads for further investigation and rectification.  Inspection of all CNG taxis will be completed by tomorrow, 25 May 2017.

3   Mandatory inspections are also being carried out for 13 buses (comprising 12 public buses and 1 private bus), as well as 7 goods vehicles.

4   CNG taxis and public buses that have passed the mandatory inspections will continue to be subject to stringent checks and will have to undergo inspections every three months, in lieu of the current six-month inspection cycle. LTA will also work with the operators to enhance the inspection process for their CNG taxi fleets.

Mandatory Inspection of Private CNG vehicles

5   To safeguard public safety, owners of private CNG vehicles will also be required to send in their vehicles to any of the nine Authorised Vehicle Inspection Centres (AICs) for inspection by 9 June 2017. Inspection notices will be sent to all private CNG car owners. The cost of the inspection will be borne by LTA. Please refer to Annex A for the locations of the Authorised Inspection Centres (AICs).

Ensuring Vehicle Safety

6   We would like to remind all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are regularly maintained and meet the necessary road-worthiness tests. CNG vehicle owners are also reminded to not smoke in their vehicles, and to send in their vehicles immediately to an AIC for inspection if they detect any sulphur-type odour (similar to the smell of rotten eggs).

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

Annex A

Locations of the Authorised Inspection Centres (AICs)