Annual Report 2020

2020 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited 29 COVID-19 Impact As LWB largely relies on tourists and related industries’ transport demand, the COVID-19 pandemic has an additional impact on ridership than other franchised bus operators in the urban area. LWB has liaised with the Transport Department to reduce its service levels to meet the actual demand. Bus Service Network At the end of 2020, LWB operated 38 routes. Despite the decline in passenger demand in 2020 under the anti-epidemic measures, LWB continued to strengthen the bus network coverage riding on the commissioning for the new infrastructure and new residential development in North Lantau. In conjunction with the commissioning of Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel (“TMCLKT”), LWB introduced new Route A34 and rationalised five existing routes travelling between Tuen Mun and the Airport through the new tunnel. The revamped services also enlarged the catchment within Tung Chung and Tuen Mun District. In addition, new interchange hub at the TMCLKT Interchange was set up to provide a more comprehensive network. Passengers could enjoy the benefits by shortening the journey time significantly and reducing the travel expenses with the fare reduction for the routes concerned. To enhance Tung Chung and the Airport’s connectivity, LWB introduced a new Route S65 plying between Mun Tung Estate and the Passenger Terminal. This serves as a new option with shorter journey time for the Airport commuters living at the new residential area in Tung Chung West. New Octopus Bus-Bus Interchange (“BBI”) Schemes between three LWB routes and fifteen KMB routes with the maximum discount at HK$5.0 in the second leg was launched. Passenger can travel between Tung Chung and the urban area in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island by interchanging at Tsuen Wan or Kwai Chung to enjoy a competitive fare for the whole journey. With the commissioning of Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel, LWB enlarges the catchment within Tung Chung and Tuen Mun District