Annual Report 2023

25 2023 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited KMB completed the set-up of 31 BBIs in major locations across Hong Kong in 2023. The BBI hubs have improved network efficiency and encouraged more passengers to take KMB/LWB bus routes by providing more choices and value-for-money services. The BBI network of KMB and LWB covers the entire eighteen districts of Hong Kong to offer more convenient travel options with more fare concessions. It also ensures bus resources are used effectively, contributing towards environmental protection. To facilitate easier passenger interchange, KMB has renamed the BBIs based on the districts where they are located and enhanced information on websites and mobile applications, ensuring passengers can make use of the BBI network for convenient travel across Hong Kong and experience that “interchanging is so simple”. A new BBI page was also introduced in app1933 to show locations covered by the BBI network. Routes involving the BBIs are listed by destinations, showing information such as platform numbers, locations of the platforms, estimated travelling time, and interchange discounts. In view of demographic changes, urban development and evolving passenger needs, particularly the upsurge in cross- boundary demand in the wake of relaxed social distancing measures and travel restrictions, KMB has introduced new boundary routes and enhanced its existing service levels to cater for the demand. To tie in with the completion of residential areas in Ching Fu Court in Tsing Yi, Queen’s Hill in Fanling, Kong Ha Wai in Yuen Long and LOHAS Park in Tseung Kwan O, KMB has further strengthened its services in these districts by introducing new routes and improving the frequency of existing routes. New Franchised Bus Routes serving Tsing Yi and West Kowloon Cultural District KMB is devoted to allocating resources to provide bus services in newly developed areas and is delighted to have been awarded the operating rights for Routes 49 and 49M through an operator selection exercise in 2022. The two new routes connecting Tsing Yi, Kowloon East and Tseung Kwan O started service in March and September 2023 respectively. On top of Tsing Yi, KMB is also being selected to operate a new Route W4 plying between West Kowloon Cultural District and High Speed Rail Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, serving the demand to and from M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum in the area. Green and Smart KMB shows its commitment to innovation by introducing a bus fleet with technological advances and environmentally friendly features for a more desirable passenger experience. The Company aims to upgrade the entire fleet with new energy buses to tie in with the Government’s policy of achieving the carbon neutrality target. Bus Fleet and Fleet Upgrade During the year, 107 buses, including 83 double-deck buses and 24 BYD double-deck electric buses, were licensed. The new 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 At KMB’s 90 th anniversary ceremony, over 300 guests, including Government officials, Board members, current and retired employees, and business partners, are present to witness KMB’s achievements in its 90 years of service in Hong Kong