Annual Report 2023

16 2023 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited CHAIRMAN’S LETTER KMB’s electric double-deck buses are supplied by electric bus manufacturers from China and the United Kingdom. Thanks to the maturity of electric bus technology, these buses can be adapted and adjusted to meet the operational requirements of double-deckers in Hong Kong. Additionally, battery and charging technologies compatible with local electric buses are anticipated to evolve further in the foreseeable future. This advancement is expected to significantly improve battery efficiency and reduce charging time, providing substantial support for the Group’s development of electric bus services. Moreover, KMB is preparing to construct two multi-storey electric bus depots in Tai Po and Tuen Mun, with an expected completion date within the next three to five years. These depots will provide 850 bus charging bays to accommodate the expanding operational needs of the electric bus fleet. Elevating Customer Experience Through Enhanced Smart Travel KMB and LWB have consistently considered meeting the needs of customers as their responsibility while actively promoting smart travel. With 31 bus-bus interchanges established throughout Hong Kong, our service network has greatly improved along with the offer of various transit incentives. On top of these initiatives, KMB also cares about improving the waiting experience of passengers, such as by including a convenience store at the Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange last year. This allows passengers to conveniently purchase food and drinks when interchanging, catering to the daily needs of busy commuters who perhaps prefer grabbing their breakfast on the go. Additionally, KMB has designated 70 bus stops located near public housing estates or hospitals as “Age-Friendly Bus Stops”, featuring additional seating for the elderly and people in need. At these bus stops, slogans are displayed to promote care for the elderly. Meanwhile, a thousand “Priority Seats” have been added to the bus fleet to accommodate more individuals in need. Online shopping has become a popular trend. Recognising the significance of self-service lockers in modern life, KMB took the initiative to collaborate with a logistics company, pioneering the installation of self-service lockers at 35 bus termini in Hong Kong. This enables passengers to conveniently collect packages before or after taking the bus, and reclaim items left behind on buses at the 24-hour self- service lockers, saving their time and hassle. With meticulous attention to detail, these customer-oriented services have not only elevated the quality of life and overall ride experience for customers, but also bolstered the Group’s non-farebox revenue and expanded its customer base. Fusing Technology and Talent to Establish Safety Standards in the Bus Industry Bus safety is a top priority for the Group. KMB introduced the latest Preventive Maintenance System which utilises technology to remotely monitor buses and key components, enabling efficient resource allocation in maintenance and upkeep. The Preventive Maintenance System was launched in 2023. The number of mechanical failures for KMB and LWB fleets in December 2023 decreased by over 20% compared to the same period in 2022. This once again demonstrates how KMB has successfully leveraged technology to enhance the safety and reliability of its bus fleet. On the training front, the KMB Academy has recently launched two certified courses, namely “Professional Certificate for Instructors in Franchised Bus Industry” and “Certificate in Continuing Development for In-service Bus Captains”. These courses have been assessed and recognised by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and have been incorporated into the Qualifications Framework (“HKQF”) at Level Four and Level Three respectively. These courses not only provide ongoing learning opportunities for current employees but also establish new standards of professionalism, safety, and systematic training within the bus industry. Including the two other courses, “Certificate in Bus Maintenance” and “Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving”, the KMB Academy now offers four HKQF-accredited programmes, making it a pioneering leader in the industry. Driving Cultural Diversity for a Coherent Society The Group has always cared for different strata of society and has taken practical actions to build a caring and inclusive community. After becoming aware that a group of secondary school students with special educational needs dream of becoming bus captains, KMB invited the students to participate in a bus captain experience programme at the KMB Academy. With explanations and guidance from experienced bus captain driving instructors, these young people have gained insight into the daily work routines and duties of a bus captain. This experience helped them recognise their own interests and talents while savouring the fulfillment of their dreams coming true. KMB is dedicated to serving every customer and has introduced various barrier-free facilities to assist individuals with special needs in their travels. To take care of visually impaired seniors with cognitive impairment, KMB partnered with The Hong Kong Society for the Blind and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) in installing a “Smart Bus Stop” at residential care facilities. This initiative facilitates effective assessments and cognitive stimulation training for visually impaired elderly individuals.