Annual Report 2024

37 2024 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited In 2024, there was a remarkable upsurge in demand for the Huang Bus at the Lok Ma Chau Port. The Huang Bus efficiently accommodated the surge by ensuring regular maintenance of its fleet and facilities. During the year, the Huang Bus’s patronage grew by 27.6% compared to the previous year, indicating a deepening connection between Hong Kong and the Mainland on both social and economic fronts. In October 2024, NHKB increased the frequency of the Huang Bus to every 5 to 10 minutes and collaborated with KMB to offer an interchange fare discount, allowing passengers to save up to HK$10, which was equivalent to a free ride on the Huang Bus. Additionally, NHKB implemented an electronic payment system compatible with 15 popular e-payment methods, including UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, which are widely used in China Mainland, to enhance passenger convenience. Looking ahead to 2025, the anticipated implementation of the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme is expected to drive a surge in cross-boundary travel demand. This policy will enable a significant number of Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong more frequently, spurring growth in the tourism, retail, and catering industries while creating substantial opportunities for NHKB. The Company remains committed to improving the service frequency of the Huang Bus, despite facing rigorous competition from alternative ports, with the aim of ensuring consistent, high-quality service for passengers. Shenzhen Hong Kong Huanggang Lok Ma Chau Lo Wu Sheung Shui NHKB has enhanced its Huang Bus service to meet the growing travel demand between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, maintaining its position as the top choice for Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang cross-border passengers