Annual Report 2020

24 Transport International Holdings Limited 2020 Annual Report Business Review KMB provides affordable and convenient journeys for passengers, including the Monthly Pass Scheme and the first Regional Two-way Sectional Fare Scheme in Hong Kong In response to the population intake of Fo Tan Chun Yeung Estate, KMB launched new Routes 285 and 285A serving Sha Tin Central and Fo Tan Station, facilitating passenger travel within the district. Extension of Route 48P to the newly opened estate is enhanced in order to provide express bus service for passengers in the morning and evening peaks. To continually improve services and strengthen the transport network, KMB introduced different express services. For example, more special morning departures connecting Tai Po and Hong Kong Island (including Routes 907B and 907C) have been introduced to provide speedier alternatives for passengers. New Interchange Hub Riding on the success of various bus-bus interchange hubs such as Tuen Mun Road Interchange or Tai Lam Tunnel Interchange, Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Interchange (Tseung Kwan O-bound) has been introduced since 2 October 2020, as KMB runs a total of nine routes via the interchange. In particular, KMB introduced LOHAS Park Express Service Route 98, providing more convenient feeder bus service for LOHAS Park residents and those who work at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. Passengers of Route 98 can enjoy bus-bus interchange discount with 65 routes in KMB network by interchanging at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Interchange and Kwun Tong Road Interchange. Special wayfinding signages have also been set up in these interchanges to assist the passengers. Two-way Sectional Fare KMB launched the first Regional Two-way Sectional Fare Scheme in Hong Kong on 8 August 2020. The scheme includes 17 routes serving Northwest New Territories, with such passengers could save HK$14.10 at most for each journey. In the past, only individual routes allowed passengers to tap the Octopus cards in the compartment before getting off the bus, so as to implement two-way sectional fare. KMB has overcome physical constraints by installing card readers at the bus stops with electricity supply, making it possible for regional two-way sectional fare. This not only provides passengers with choices and comfortable bus service, but also eases the burden of public transport. A green icon is installed, allowing passengers to recognise the card reader’s location under the Regional Two-way Sectional Fare Scheme