Annual Report 2022

2022 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited 67 As of the end of 2022, KMB has retrofitted around 600 buses with horizontal ventilation windows to provide natural ventilation and offer passengers a comfortable journey; The Solar-powered Bus Shelter Campaign promotes green energy by installing solar panels to power lighting. To date, 2,000 bus stops have been equipped with solar power equipment; The enhancement of the bus route information sheets has been completed. Passengers can now scan the two- dimensional QR code on the new layout information sheets posted at bus stops for bus frequency and other bus route information; KMB and LWB have installed the Bus Information Panel System on 4,065 buses. Passengers can obtain real-time bus stop information through the display screens on the upper and lower decks and the alighting reminder function on App1933; 1,260 bus stop locations are equipped with display panels showing the estimated time of bus arrivals; The air quality in bus compartments has been improved with electrostatic air filters installed on KMB and LWB buses; and 3,790 KMB and 257 LWB buses are equipped with power- saving variable capacity air-conditioning compressors, which provide more adaptive and refined thermal control in the most fuel-efficient manner in all weather conditions. The air-conditioning systems have a fresh air function that extracts fresh air outside the compartment and purifies it using a double-layer filter system. Accessibility Access to transportation is vital for independent living. An accessible transport system is the building block of an inclusive society. Accessible Bus Fleet The entire KMB and LWB fleets deploy super-low floor buses for easy boarding and alighting, as well as wide entrances and exit doors for better passenger access, which means all KMB and LWB buses are easily accessible to the elderly and wheelchair users. In addition, KMB has retrofitted around 260 buses to accommodate two wheelchair passengers, which run mainly on routes travelling to and from hospitals. KMB introduced two designs of foldable armrest in the wheelchair areas on over 90 buses in 2022. The new armrests not only make wheelchair passengers feel more comfortable on board but can also help prevent wheelchairs from overturning or skidding on the gangway. The new design has become one of the standard features on every newly purchased bus. Upgrade of Depots, Termini and Bus Stops The commitment of KMB and LWB to upgrading their facilities at termini and bus stops is reflected in the following measures: Renovation on Bus-bus Interchanges started by stages in 2022. There are clearer signage and platform numbers in the interchanges so that passengers can find their way to the interchange platform more easily. Route information is also available in both interchanges and on the mobile application App1933 to facilitate passengers; and Seats for the elderly, the disabled and young children are introduced to bus shelters, bus termini and interchanges. By the end of 2022, a total of 2,250 seats have been installed. Affordability Fare Concession Schemes KMB and LWB are committed to providing efficient bus services for the public. A number of fare concession schemes were introduced in 2022, including the following: KMB After the good response received for the Regional Short-haul Two-way Section Fare Schemes in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, and Tseung Kwan O, KMB further implemented the third Scheme in North District in 2022. Under the third Scheme, which covers five routes, passengers can enjoy bus services at a fare range of HK$3.8-5.0 by tapping an Octopus card, contactless credit card or mobile device or scanning the QR code on any of the 12 one-stop validators at bus stops after alighting in North District. Currently, the total number of routes under the Regional Two-way Section Fare Scheme and the number of card readers have increased to 55 and 92, respectively; The KMB Fare Saver Scheme offered a fare discount of up to HK$4.0, covering some campuses of educational institutions, shopping malls and residential areas. On top of the existing Fare Saver Kiosks in Kwun Tong, Mei Foo, Queen’s Hill in Fanling and Tseung Kwan O, KMB has further expanded the Fare Saver Scheme to Tsim Sha Tsui, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai. The new Fare Saver Kiosks are located at Kowloon Mosque, United Court and two private housing estates in Tin Shui Wai; An interchange discount scheme for passengers interchanging designated bus routes between Ma Wan and Tsuen Wan, and vice versa; ICBC/KMB UnionPay Dual Currency Cardholders enjoyed a maximum 20% bus fare rebate when they paid for KMB and LWB rides; while Citibank cardholders enjoyed a 15% bus fare rebate year-round under another fare rebate scheme;