Annual Report 2020

2020 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited 61 Ventilation windows are installed on some KMB buses to bring fresh air to passengers LWB introduces a diversified e-payment system in its fleet supporting contactless payment method New Bus Fleet and Facilities KMB has committed to introducing innovative and eco-friendly bus service. The latest Euro VI double-decker features a glass window that shows the staircase leading to the upper deck. Sunlight is directed onto the stairs, 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 the 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 the 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 2020, 3,306 buses meeting Euro V standard or above were licensed in the KMB fleet, while 213 buses of 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 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. LWB has become the first franchised bus company in Hong Kong to install diversified e-payment system in its fleet, and support contactless payment method by using a credit card, e-wallet on mobile devices and smart watches, or scanning the QR code for easy, fast and convenient bus fare payment. It proves the commitment to LWB’s passengers by providing a better travelling experience with more choices for payment means and promoting smart city development. In 2021, the diversified electronic payment system will be extended to KMB. KMB and LWB have installed the Bus Information Panel System on 3,468 buses. With the Bus Stop Announcement System, passengers can easily and clearly obtain bus stop information 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 2020, electrostatic air filters were installed on 3,860 KMB buses and 237 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. The air-conditioning systems have a fresh air function which extracts fresh air outside the compartment and purifies it using a double-layer filter system. KMB has retrofitted 192 new licensed Euro VI buses with four ventilation windows, two on each deck, to provide natural ventilation and to bring passengers a comfortable journey.