CONCEPT NOTE
Organic Transit for Oceania
Expected Project Results
The expected results of the project are:
1. Established supply chain for parts and components for a local labour force to produce a
commercially viable velomobile model for regional use, initially at a rate of 20 vehicles per
month, employing at least 20 staff.
2. Provisions codified within regulatory and legal framework for operation of velomobiles as
land transport at the lowest true cost per kilometer for travellers.
3. Import/Export structure, supply, and distribution chain established and promoted between
Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries.
Project Countries: Fiji (with benefits to other Pacific island countries through exports).
Project Partners: The Centre for Sustainable Technology and Development of the Fiji National
University (also Land Transport Authority, Land Transport Authority, Fiji Police Force, Transport
Planning Unit, Department of Energy, FRCA, Fiji Development Bank, Asian Development Bank,
Investment Fiji, BSP, Fiji Ministry of Industry & Trade)
Project Duration: 3 years (2015-2017)
The Action
The project will import and test current models after which a feasibility study is prepared that would
report on the performance of Organic Transit vehicles relative to other modes of transport for local
utility and necessary functions. A facility will be established employing at least 20 staff in designing,
manufacturing and delivering local velomobile models to the Fijian and regional market. The project
would support FNU in developing coursework & on-going projects for their students to be trained in
alternative transport development from concept to commercial delivery. The project would also
ensure that the current available designs are optimized for local needs and terrain; models tested
and prepared for commercial release. The project would also work with local authorities to establish
favourable regulatory and financial frameworks for proliferation of Organic Transit vehicle use. It
would establish sales of at least 15 vehicles per month locally and at least 5 regionally and conduct a
promotional and awareness campaign of low-cost, no-emission transport alternatives through
online, broadcast, and print media at national and regional levels
Rationale
Employing locally trained engineers and mechanics to manufacture and assemble vehicles to meet
the sustainability and utility needs of Pacific Island commuters will serve to decrease fuel and vehicle
import demands while simultaneously developing local industry and skilled labour force for domestic
products and increased export revenue throughout the region. This will additionally build upon
introduction of Organic Transit demonstration model vehicles as part of renewable energy and
energy efficiency promotion and regulatory measures taken under the GEF-funded and IUCN
implemented Low Carbon Island project conducted in Tuvalu, Niue, and Nauru by providing them,
among other nations, with convenient regional access to emission-free vehicles. Based primarily
upon bicycle components and solar PV/electrical engine and battery systems, these pedal-powered
hybrid velomobiles will improve upon the efficiency of standard bicycle designs. Organic Transit
vehicles also provide cover from the elements, which is of great advantage to populations in the
tropics living in exceedingly rainy conditions. Greater structural and design provisions for meeting
cargo and passenger demands will also be a feasible component of inclusion, creating additional
benefits beyond individual transportation use. While serving the functional demands of most light
automotive vehicles, such as traveling at comparable speeds with cargo capacity to meet daily
needs, the initial capital cost to individual users will be lower than with any new automobile models
and even cheaper than the average market value of used automobiles. The recurring costs
(petroleum/diesel, repairs, etc.) will largely be removed, instead necessitating reduced, simplified
maintenance and no consistent fuel demand.
Expected Impact
The project would give a clean viable personal transport option to the people of the Pacific, in the
process creating a new industry in Fiji that employs young people, reducing dependence on fossil
fuel, and reducing carbon emissions.
Proposed Budget: USD 760,000
Activities
Budget in (USD)
Project Implementation
Drafting of TORs, licensing, liaison with regulatory bodies and private sector,
management of logistics, inventory, facility, staff, and reporting
455,000
Training of faculty & manufacturing personnel
30,000
Training of enforcement personnel
20,000
Marketing Strategy & Advertising Campaign development
60,000
Publications & Reports
Field Assessment – Present performance test & localization report
35,000
Cost/Benefit Analysis – Regional market research report
30,000
Rode Code assessment and revision report
20,000
Operations
Overhead costs
110,000
TOTAL (USD)
760,000