Annual Report 2022

2022 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited 25 December 2022 respectively. KMB later launched a new Route 69, providing all-day direct service between Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, making it one of the few intra-district franchised bus routes in the area. Route 69 is also notable for serving the new transitional housing development, United Court, on the outskirts of Yuen Long giving its residents a much-needed public transport service. Green and Smart KMB shows its commitment to innovation by introducing a bus fleet with technological advances and environment-friendly features for a more desirable passenger experience. The Company aims to upgrade the entire fleet with new energy buses by 2040 to tie in with the Government’s policy of achieving the carbon neutrality target. Bus Fleet and Fleet Upgrade During the year, 205 buses, including 189 double-deck buses and 16 BYD electric buses, were licensed. The 189 double-deck buses feature a light-directing glass window alongside the staircase connecting the two decks in place of the traditional sealed design, which lends a brighter ambience to the interior and enhances safety when passengers walk up and down stairs. Moreover, new buses are equipped with safety facilities, including the Advanced Driver Assistance System, the Electronic Stability Programme and the Driving Monitoring System, and all seats are equipped with seat belts and grab handles to ensure the safety of passengers and bus captains. The addition of four horizontal ventilation windows has become a standard feature on new buses, which allows passengers to open the windows to let fresh air into the compartment. KMB has continued to invest in the latest environment-friendly buses. In 2009, it became the first public bus company in Asia to introduce Euro V double-deck buses. In 2017, it again led the industry by introducing the first diesel-powered double-deck bus with Euro VI emission standards in Hong Kong. Euro III model buses will be completely phased out within the next four years. In 2022, a batch of 16 new-generation single-deck electric buses commenced service. They are equipped with the Battery Management System (“BMS”) and the Water Cooling System, which help monitor the efficiency and condition of the battery and control its temperature, effectively extending the battery life cycle and improving performance. To pursue the Government policy of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, KMB plans to introduce 500 electric buses in the coming three to five years, accounting for one-eighth of the entire bus fleet. As of 31 December 2022, KMB operated a total of 4,036 licensed buses, comprising 3,885 double-deck buses and 151 single-deck buses. Among them were three hybrid double-deck buses and 26 electric single-deck buses. In addition, 118 double-deck Euro VI buses and 51 electric double-deck buses were on order for delivery in 2023. The new generation of single-deck electric buses commenced service, marking a new milestone towards the goal of zero-emission