Annual Report 2022

Transport International Holdings Limited 2022 Annual Report 16 CHAIRMAN’S LETTER Improving the Interchange Network to Elevate Riding Experience Providing a high-quality riding experience is an effective way to encourage the public to choose our bus services. The Group has been actively investing in resources to improve its bus network, so that passengers can enjoy KMB’s and LWB’s route networks with an extensive coverage across Hong Kong, along with interchange discounts offered. By the end of 2022, KMB has set up a total of 23 Bus-bus Interchanges (“BBIs”). To further elevate the passenger riding experience, KMB has been conducting renovation works on a number of BBIs in phases, including the provision of clearer signage, and the addition of route information for BBIs available at bus stops and on the mobile application App1933. We are also dedicated to encouraging the public to use the interchange network. As we are entering the new era of 5G, KMB also advances with the times to kick start the 5G upgrading project by providing free 5G Wi-Fi service with no time limit every day, so passengers can enjoy the ultra-fast network anytime anywhere. KMB has also paid special attention to the design of bus compartments by providing four face-to-face seats on the upper deck to increase the legroom. A foldable armrest is also added to the wheelchair space to give extra protection to wheelchair passengers. Connecting with the Greater Bay Area by Enabling Cross-boundary Payments The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area accords with the key strategic planning of the national development blueprint. Seizing the opportunity to integrate into the Greater Bay Area to foster economic development and strengthen transport connections, the Group has signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation with the Shenzhen Bus Group to increase synergies and cooperation. Plans are formulated to promote intermodal transportation projects and facilitate cross-boundary payments, so as to realise integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland in both payment methods and route information. To cope with the overall development, KMB and LWB have installed in advance an e-payment system that supports a total of 11 payment methods, the most among all transportation in Hong Kong, on their bus fleets comprising over 4,000 buses. Attaching Great Importance to New Development Areas by Adding New Routes New development areas are the main source of land and housing supply in Hong Kong in the mid- and long-run. The demand for transport increases as the population expands. Whether it is transitional residential housing or a newly established housing estate, the Group devotes its resources to providing comfortable and safe bus services for the local residents. In 2022, KMB repeatedly strengthened its services for those living in Queen’s Hill, Fanling to cater for the demand of residents commuting to work and school every day. To build a sense of belonging among the residents, primary students in North District were invited to participate in Queen’s Hill Bus Drawing Competition, bringing arts to this new development area. Furthermore, KMB has launched a new route plying between Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai to provide a new travel option for those living in the United Court, Yuen Long. Nurturing Future Talents and Raising Industry Safety Standards Safety has always been the Group’s top priority. We are committed to raising the professionalism and safety standards for Hong Kong’s bus industry by combining technology with training. KMB established the KMB Academy in 2022 not only to provide professional training accredited under the Qualification Framework in Hong Kong for franchised bus maintenance personnel and bus captains, but also actively build partnerships with tertiary institutions and offer short- term career-oriented courses and workshops to let teenagers know more about the bus industry. The KMB Academy also collaborates with secondary schools to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and sustainable development through buses so that the safety and professional culture of the bus industry can take root in the next generation, making the KMB Academy an important base for cultivating talents in the transportation industry. Promoting Equality and Inclusion to Build a Friendlier Society The Group cares about the community and makes use of its own advantages and expertise to help the needy in society through resources allocation, business-school collaboration and participation in voluntary services. KMB and LWB have hired a number of non-Chinese staff to form a diverse team, unleashing their potentials in different positions and helping them integrate into the community. In 2022, KMB held its first open day cum career talk at Kowloon Mosque to offer a stable job opportunity for non-Chinese people, encouraging them to join the KMB family. In the meantime, KMB and the Hong Chi Association fostered a business-school collaboration. Other than the internship opportunities in the catering and retail sectors offered by Café1933, a staff café, and Customer Service Centres, KMB also provides a venue for students to show their art installations. Among these art pieces are creations with the theme of buses by students with special educational needs, which are displayed on bus stop poles at Tuen Mun Road BBI to create an artistic atmosphere.