Annual Report 2019

022 Transport International Holdings Limited 2019 Annual Report Business Review Hong Kong Franchised Public Bus Operations Innovation and support for the environment are two of the cornerstones of KMB’s service. The first batch of solar panel equipped buses was deployed in October 2019, which reduces the temperature by around 8-10°C in the bus compartment when the engine is turned off. The captured solar energy drives the air ventilation system, extracting hot air from inside the bus compartment. This enhances the bus captains’ working environment and passengers’ ride, while saving an estimated 3% in fuel consumption. KMB continues to invest in the latest environment-friendly buses. In 2009, it became the first public bus company in Asia to introduce Euro V double-deck buses. In 2017, it again led the industry by introducing the first diesel-powered double-deck bus with Euro VI emission standards in Hong Kong. All newly purchased KMB buses licensed since 2019 meet Euro VI emission standards, while Euro III and earlier model buses will be completely phased out within the next five years. In 2019, 215 Euro VI super-low floor double-deck air-conditioned buses were added to the KMB fleet. As at 31 December 2019, KMB operated a total of 4,081 licensed air-conditioned buses, comprising 3,938 double-deck buses and 143 single-deck buses. The fleet currently features three hybrid double-deck buses, ten electric single- deck buses and eight supercapacitor single-deck buses. In addition, 315 air-conditioned double-deck Euro VI buses were on order for delivery in 2020. Bus Service Network At the end of 2019, KMB operated a total of 411 bus routes. In a changing operating environment marked by railway commissioning, demographic changes and new highways, KMB reviews and arranges its resources to cater for the changing demand. KMB strives to operate an efficient, competitive and sustainable bus network while seeking opportunities for new market growth. KMB provides affordable and convenient journeys for passengers, launching the Monthly Pass Scheme and upgrading App1933 KMB LWB Number of New Buses Introduced to the Fleet 600 450 300 150 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Number of new buses Percentage of Actual Number of Buses Operated on the Road to Licensed Bus Fleet – KMB 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 25 50 75 100 Percent (%) KMB LWB Total Fleet Capacity at 31 December Thousand of passengers 600 450 300 150 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019