We all know how clean Singapore is. They ban spitting on the streets, or even chewing on gum. Not only that, but they also have programs to keep the clean air in Singapore.

They encourage people to use bikes or just walk when the location they’re going to is just near. They also have this program wherein you can park your car near their railway station to take the MRT to your destination. That way they could cut the vehicular emissions in the air. And that’s why the Singapore government is encouraging the use of green vehicles.

Green vehicles are cars that are environmentally friendly compared to their conventional counterparts. They produce less harmful impacts to the environment by means of running gasoline such as unleaded to decrease vehicular emissions or using alternative means of fuels. One example of this kind of car is the Toyota Prius which is also the world’s top selling hybrid car of 2010.

To ensure the clean air of Singapore, the National Environment Agency of Singapore constantly works with the public and business to promote environmentally friendly practices. One of these programs is the Green Vehicle Rebate. The Green Vehicle Rebate scheme has been extended for five times already since its introduction. It was first introduced in 2001 to encourage Singaporeans to use green vehicles. Under the current Green Vehicle Rebate scheme, you are entitled to a rebate of 40% of the vehicle’s Open Market Value if you buy electric and petrol-electric hybrid passenger cars. 5% rebates are given for those who are buying electric and petrol-electric hybrid buses and commercial vehicles and a 10% rebate for buying electric motorcycles.

Those who want to buy cars that operate by the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) or Bi-fuel meanwhile are entitled to a 40% rebate. 5% rebate is also given for those buying buses and commercial vehicles.

If that isn’t enough to encourage the use of green vehicles, CNG and Bi-fuel private car owners are also entitled to a special tax exemption and a CNG duty is also phased in at $.0.20 per kg. Buses and commercial green vehicles also enjoy road tax pegged their petrol equivalents. Lots of savings considering petrol tax is 20% lower than their diesel equivalents.

The reason why Singapore’s air is so clean is that not only special organizations such as NEA work, but the government is also encouraging it as well and therefore, citizens of Singapore are more incline to join in the cause for a greener Singapore.

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