Annual Report 2023

76 2023 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Accessibility Access to transportation is vital for independent living, and 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, with wide entrances and exit doors for better passenger access. These features have made all KMB and LWB buses easily accessible to the elderly and wheelchair users. In addition, KMB has approximately 300 buses fitted with two wheelchair spaces, which run mainly on routes travelling to and from hospitals. Besides, KMB has introduced foldable armrests in the wheelchair areas of over 110 buses. 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. KMB has been a pioneer in introducing “priority seats” on buses. These seats are strategically located near the bus doors to ensure easy access for passengers in need. KMB actively promotes to the public that these seats are intended for anyone requiring assistance, fostering a culture of offering assistance to those who need it. To further promote the spirit of assisting those in need, KMB is adding two extra priority seats on 500 buses, bringing the total number of newly added priority seats to 1,000. These buses will be identified by a “Priority Seats x6” label sticker on the windscreen, and will primarily serve routes frequented by seniors. 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: The renovation of 31 Bus-bus Interchanges was completed in 2023. 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 KMB has upgraded 70 bus stops or termini, which are frequently used by the elderly, to transform them into “Age- friendly Bus Stops”. These bus stops, located near public housing estates or hospitals commonly visited by the elderly, now provide extra seating and age-friendly signage to improve the waiting environment for all passengers as a whole. 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 2023, including the following: KMB KMB has launched the Monthly Pass Scheme, the first monthly pass for franchised buses in Hong Kong, under which passengers can take up to ten rides per day on KMB buses, with an additional two trips permitted on Route B1. In May 2023, other than encompassing 400 KMB routes, including regular routes, overnight routes and racecourse routes, the Pass also covers LWB bus routes to reward Locals and tourists can receive a fare discount at the KMB Fare Saver Kiosk located at the Hong Kong Palace Museum to enjoy the bus service at a more affordable price when they visit West Kowloon