Annual Report 2019

051 Transport International Holdings Limited 2019 Annual Report Sustainability Report Care for Customers New Bus Fleet and Facilities Following the introduction of KMB’s new red bus fleet in 2017, KMB introduced the double-decker featuring a glass window that shows the staircase leading to the upper deck. Sunlight is directed onto the staircase, thus enhancing safety and passengers’ experience. KMB and LWB’s latest double-deck buses are equipped with upgraded passenger facilities, including a free Wi-Fi service and a number of USB charging points on both upper and lower decks, a straight staircase for easy access to the upper deck, additional space for 2+2 seating, priority seats for passengers in need, a designated area for wheelchair users near the entrance/exit, colour contrasted handrails and easy-reach bell-pushes. In addition, the provision of continuous railing and hand poles on the lower deck ensures a smooth passenger flow in the space between the entrance and exit doors. All seats on the upper deck of LWB’s Airbuses are equipped with an armrest to provide a more comfortable bus journey. As of the end of 2019, 3,073 buses at Euro V standard or above were licensed in the KMB fleet, while 229 buses at Euro V standard or above were licensed in the LWB fleet. The majority of these buses have been deployed on routes passing through low-emission zones to help improve the air quality in busy districts. The entire KMB and LWB fleets deploy super-low floor buses for easy boarding and alighting, as well as wide entrance and exit doors for better passenger access, which means that all KMB and LWB buses are accessible to the elderly and wheelchair users. In addition, KMB has retrofitted around 200 buses to accommodate two wheelchair passengers, to run mainly on routes travelling to hospitals. KMB and LWB have installed the Bus Information Panel System on 3,323 buses. Together with the Bus Stop Announcement System, passengers can obtain bus stop information easily and clearly through the display screens on the upper and lower decks. Upgraded Compartments The air quality in bus compartments benefits from electrostatic air filters installed on all KMB and LWB buses, which are able to remove up to 80% of fine particles. As at the end of 2019, electrostatic air filters were installed on 3,885 KMB buses and 272 LWB buses. In addition, all KMB and LWB buses ordered after 2008 are equipped with power-saving variable capacity air-conditioning compressors, which provide more adaptive and refined thermal control in the most fuel-efficient manner in all weather conditions. KMB refurbishes buses with a new look to enhance passengers’ travelling experience. Mid-life buses with around eight years’ service benefit from the “Refurbished Bus Scheme”, which focuses on improving passenger comfort and safety on board. The scheme will also aid the maintenance and repair of buses in the long term. The refurbishment includes reupholstery of the seats and the installation of a light-coloured To offer passengers, especially young people, a caring bus service experience, buses have upgraded passenger facilities including USB charging ports