Annual Report 2021

29 2021 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited COVID-19 Impact Primarily relying on the transport demand generated from the tourism and related industries, LWB has suffered more heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of ridership than other franchised bus operators in urban areas. LWB has liaised with the Transport Department to reduce its service levels to meet the actual demand. Electronic Payment System LWB is the first franchised bus company in Hong Kong to provide diversified e-payment services, providing convenience for passengers, especially those from overseas without access to the local currency or an Octopus card upon arrival in the city. The Company continued to enhance its e-payment system in 2021 and accepted payments using contactless JCB credit cards. Currently, the system accepts ten payment methods including contactless payment, mobile payment and QR code payment, making it, together with KMB’s, the e-payment system which accepts the most payment methods compared to other public transport operators’ systems. Bus Service Network At the end of 2021, LWB operated 41 routes. Although the passenger demand in 2021 declined under the anti-epidemic measures, LWB continued to strengthen its bus network coverage riding on the commissioning of new infrastructure and new residential development on North Lantau Island. In conjunction with the commissioning of the Tuen Mun- Chek Lap Kok Tunnel (“TM-CLKT”), the second phase of routes diversion, which involved the LWB routes serving Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, was implemented on 20 June 2021. The revamped service covers an enlarged servicing area of LWB in Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Tung Chung East and Tung Chung North. Passengers in Tuen Mun are also benefited as the interchange network at the TM-CLKT Interchange has been further improved. In addition, Route E43 plying between North District and Tung Chung was opened for trial operation. LWB will review passenger feedback and consider improvement plans for the service. LWB has continued to strengthen its bus network by introducing new routes and additional Bus-Bus Interchange concession schemes despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic