Annual Report 2023

37 2023 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited The Lok Ma Chau Port has been re-opened since 6 February 2023 when the COVID-19 pandemic started to ebb away. On the same day as the reopening of the port, our Huang Bus was able to resume service simultaneously. This was possible thanks to regular checks and assessments on our fleet and facilities, maintaining our operational and safety performance throughout the service suspension period. Though patronage of Huang Bus has been on a steady rise since February 2023, it has not yet returned to the pre- pandemic level. Tourists are drawn to the newly opened Liangtang/Heung Yuen Wai Port, commissioned in February 2023, where collaborative inspection and joint clearance are available. In the summer of 2023, the Huang Bus service was impacted by adverse weather conditions. Despite the challenges, the service persevered and stood out as the sole cross-boundary connection between Hong Kong and Shenzhen during an extreme weather event in early September 2023. Looking ahead in 2024, the advantage of the Lok Ma Chau/ Huanggang port as the only one open 24 hours each day could diminish if the service hours of other ports are extended to meet community demands. Despite the challenges ahead, NHKB is devoted to improving the service frequency of Huang Bus, so as to ensure reliable and quality service for passengers under any circumstances. Shenzhen Hong Kong Huanggang Lok Ma Chau Lo Wu Sheung Shui NHKB provides 24-hour cross-boundary shuttle bus services for travellers