Annual Report 2024

The Group will endeavour to drive long-term development, maintain a consistent focus on core business growth and maximise its development in a controlled environment, so as to bring value and sustainable returns to shareholders. 15 2024 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited “hop on, hop off” service enhances Hong Kong’s appeal as a tourist destination. Meanwhile, the Group also introduced new ideas to explore further possibilities in bus operations and passenger experience. During the reporting period, KMB launched “Tour @Kowloon” Recreation Route HK1, taking visitors to several famous sightseeing spots and unique attractions in Kowloon, for them to experience the charm of this vibrant city where the East meets the West. In tandem with the further integration and development of the Greater Bay Area, the demand for transport services between the two regions increased. KMB and LWB closely monitored the operation of the control point routes to ensure that their services met the demand. In addition to the continuation of the interchange fare concession scheme for the relevant control point routes, an interchange fare concession scheme between KMB and the Lok Ma Chau – Huanggang Shuttle Bus was introduced to encourage passengers to use the bus service at different times of the day. This makes it easy and convenient for passengers to travel from different districts to the control points. As a major public transport operator, we are committed to meeting all travel needs. Pet owners are eager to explore with their pets. Recognising the challenges of using public transport with pets, KMB launched the “Pet Bus” to address their travel needs. Pet owners could use the service on weekends and holidays to travel around the city with their pets and visit pet- friendly facilities. This demonstrates KMB’s innovative thinking and success in pioneering pet bus services, fostering a new “pet-related spending momentum” in the economy. Advancing Towards Zero Emissions with Mature Electric Bus Applications The Group continued to lead in the development of green transport, contributing to a better and more liveable city. Among the 82 electric buses introduced, the latest electric double-deck bus model – featuring the highest passenger capacity in Hong Kong – commenced service in May last year. KMB’s electric bus fleet performed well, with the new energy buses achieving towards “zero emissions”. During the year, the number of KMB routes operating electric buses in Hong Kong increased to 40, covering long-haul routes, busy urban streets, winding narrow roads, and both uphill and downhill paths. In terms of charging time, range and capacity, electric buses have proven to be well suited to the operating environment of public bus services in Hong Kong. KMB’s electric bus fleet has journeyed five million kilometres, which is equivalent to a reduction of 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, representing a significant step towards lowering such emissions. In line with the carbon neutral vision of the country and the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Group is committed to adopting new energy buses across its entire fleet, with the goal of introducing more advanced electric bus models that offer better performance. KMB is preparing to construct two multi-storey electric bus depots in Tai Po and Tuen Mun. These depots will provide 850 bus charging bays to accommodate the expanding operational needs of the electric bus fleet.