Annual Report 2024

76 2024 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited SUSTAINABILITY REPORT As a major public transportation service operator in Hong Kong, KMB strives to cater to the diverse travel needs of its customers. While many pet owners regard their pets as family members, they are often limited to taking their beloved pets to nearby areas unless they use private cars. For longer trips, renting a light goods vehicle or taking a taxi may seem like the only option, which can undoubtedly be a burden for many pet owners, as existing laws and regulations prohibit animals from boarding most public transport services. Many overseas regions have already relaxed their regulations, making it common for animals to be allowed on board public transport. Serving as the “Heartbeat of the City”, KMB takes pride in its pivotal role and responsibility in pioneering societal progress and promoting pet-friendly services. Determined to make the first leap, KMB launched the “Pet Bus Tour”, allowing pets and their owners to ride together and create memorable moments. The collaboration between KMB and Hoi Tai Tours on “Pet Bus Tour” has been a resounding success, receiving strong support and participation from pet owners, as well as commendation from the public. Several regular routes operate on weekends and public holidays, connecting the east and west of the New Territories, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong Island, such as Central Harbourfront. Most boarding and alighting points are situated at pet-friendly locations, such as harbourfronts, parks and malls. KMB provides flexible options for owners, allowing them to choose between the “one owner, one pet” or “two owners, one pet” combinations. Pet owners can book a full-day ride either on a single route or across multiple routes based on their needs, enabling them and their beloved pets to enjoy bus rides together and create unforgettable memories. In addition to helping pet owners explore the city and leave their footprints with their pets, KMB has also launched the “Special Pet Bus Tour – One-Day Trip to Lantau Island” to meet the enthusiastic public demand. With this dedicated bus service, pet owners can now easily explore South Lantau’s Ngong Ping or Tai O with their pets and savour a tranquil ambiance far from the urban hustle and bustle. Changes have been observed in visitors’ travel patterns, with many now opting for “city strolls” over the traditional “eat, shop, play” routines, and exploring Hong Kong from eco-tourism and immersive cultural perspectives. Capitalising on this trend, KMB has unveiled an electronic “Tourist Day Pass”, allowing international tourists to roam Hong Kong within 24 hours at an affordable price. With this Pass, they can take unlimited rides across over 450 KMB and LWB bus routes, discovering Hong Kong’s urban culture aboard double-decker buses. The “Tourist Day Pass” caters to the latest travel preferences of tourists, allowing them to “hop on, hop off” across various bus routes with complete freedom in planning their itinerary, so they can unwind and fully savour every corner of Hong Kong. In addition, with the support of KMB’s mobile application, App1933, passengers can easily access route information and bus estimated time of arrival. For travellers, Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly converge, Case Study Adapting toModern Needs with Innovative Customised Services