Annual Report 2022

2022 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited 31 Further to the two phases of route diversion in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long District in conjunction with the commissioning of the Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Tunnel (“TM-CLKT”), the third phase of route diversion, which involved the LWB Route E43 from North District, was implemented on 8 August 2022. The revamped service has shortened the journey time between North District and North Lantau. Apart from this, Route R33 linking up Tuen Mun and Hong Kong Disneyland has been rerouted via TM-CLKT since 18 July 2022, shortening the journey time. This service has continuously been enhanced as the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures has led to an increase in visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland. With the gradual resumption of air traffic, LWB has enhanced its services on “A” routes since September 2022. LWB will explore more possibilities of strengthening its network and providing better service for passengers. Bus Fleet and Fleet Upgrade LWB introduced 13 new buses equipped with the latest safety devices in 2022, and transferred five buses to other operators. As of 31 December 2022, LWB operated 261 double- deck buses, including 192 buses which are 12.8 metres in length, and four electric single deck buses, all wheelchair accessible and equipped with the On-board Electronic Bus Stop Announcement System. COVID-19 Impact Primarily relying on the transport demand generated from tourism-related industries, LWB has suffered more heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of ridership decline than other franchised bus operators in urban areas. LWB has liaised with the Transport Department to reduce its service levels to match 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 2022 and accepted payments using the contactless BoC Pay “transit code”. Currently, the system accepts 11 payment methods including contactless payment, mobile payment and QR code payment, making it, together with KMB’s, the e-payment system which accepts more payment methods than any other public transport operators’ system. Bus Service Network At the end of 2022, LWB operated 39 routes. Although the passenger demand in 2022 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. Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Tunnel BBI further enhances the interchange network of LWB