IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) e-ISSN: 2278-1684 Volume 5, Issue 5 (Mar. - Apr. 2013), PP 25-32 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 25 | Page Study on Merits and Demerits of Two Transport Systems: Battery Operated Easy Bike with CNG Operated Auto Rickshaw at Sylhet City in Bangladesh Mohammad Iqbal 1 , Salma Akhter 2 , Shibbir Ahmad 3 1 (Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Shah jalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh) 2 (Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science, Shah jalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh) 3(Department of Industrial Engineering, East West Industrial Park Limited, Bangladesh) Abstract : Auto rickshaws are tiny, three-wheeled vehicles which are used extensively in many Asian countries for transport of people and goods. The vehicles are small and narrow allowing for easy maneuverability in congested Asian metropolises. In Bangladesh, auto rickshaws are commonly used as taxis. This is due to the use of an engine, typically a 2 or 4 stroke, with almost no pollution control. Usually fuels are used in auto rickshaws. But a few years ago some auto rickshaws have been imported from china which is run by battery. The numbers of battery powered auto rickshaws are increasing day by day. This research paper includes comparison study of battery operated easy bike with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) operated auto rickshaw in terms of cost (operating cost, manufacturing cost, maintenance cost), user friendly and environmental issue. Keywords - Cost, Maintenance, Safety and Transport, urban, CNG. I. INTRODUCTION Most of the cities in developing countries are highly polluted. The main reasons are air and noise pollution caused by transport vehicles, especially petrol-powered two and three wheelers. For example, in India there are close to 18 million petrol powered two wheelers and about 1.5 million petrol and diesel powered three wheelers. Their population is growing at a healthy rate of about 15% per annum [1]. Alternative energy solutions received a great deal of attention in the last decade due to the need of sustainable and environmental friendly energy sources. The main pollutant source in urban areas is the emission of vehicles with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine). Increased concerns over global and local pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and higher gas prices have motivated ambitious plans for new vehicle types with alternative energy sources. Hybrid electrical vehicles that combine the advantages of two power sources, ICE and electrical motors, have been the focus of attention recently. A two or four stroke gasoline engine usually powers these vehicles. In recent years, alternatives such as CNG and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) models have been introduced to deal with the pollution problem. While these vehicles reduce the amount of particulate matter and other harmful pollutants they do not eliminate them and cities where rickshaws are numerous will continue to have poor air quality. The capital city of Bangladesh is one of the most polluted cities in the world although the majority of the public transport is currently based on the CNG technology. II. HEADING S BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The Auto rickshaws are one of the most popular means of transportation in Bangladesh and other countries. Although they have many benefits, including small size, lightweight, and low cost. Auto rickshaws are very noisy, inefficient, expel a high degree of pollutants and keep Bangladesh dependent upon foreign oil consumption. Auto rickshaws are available in diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) models. The operating costs of these are lower than rickshaws running on gasoline; however, the higher initial costs keep the fare of these rickshaws the same as its gasoline counterpart. The use of alternative energy in transportation is being explored as a solution to the problems experienced with the auto rickshaw.