1995 — Page 90

New Buses

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

During 1995, a total of 279 new buses, of which 256 were double-deck buses, were brought into service,

and a further 365 new buses were ordered for delivery in 1996. On-going discussions with the

manufacturers continued during the year for improvements in various engineering and design features of

the buses, including, in particular, better temperature control arrangements in air-conditioned buses.

The theme of improving accessibility particularly for less mobile passengers continued to be pursued.

Two super low floor single-deck buses have been ordered. These will be used to assess the value of this type of vehicles which will be installed with access ramps for use by wheelchair-bound passengers.

Features from these bus models could be incorporated into new ranges of double-deck buses which are

now in their design stages. Prototypes of such buses are expected to be developed before the end of

1996.

Engine emission regulations will become more stringent with the introduction of the latest European

Emission Standards (Euro 2) requirements in April 1997. A number of buses have already been ordered

to this specification and will be in service during 1996. The first new vehicle entering service will meet the emission standards nearly a year ahead of the Hong Kong Government's requirements.

Air-conditioned Buses

The continual increase in the use of air-conditioned buses reflects the Company's focus on improving

services for customers. In the year under review, the number of air-conditioned buses increased from 734

to 975, comprising 667 double-deck and 308 single-deck buses. Such buses now represent 28 per cent

of the total fleet.

Smart Card Project

The trial of smart cards and the equipment

installed on the 20 buses operating on

Route Nos. 16M, 26M and 29M and at

Kowloon Bay Depot started in March 1996

and is still in progress. The initial phase of

the trial involved the use of smart cards by

our own staff. Passengers on the three

routes will be invited to participate in the trial at a later stage.

CITYBUS

Bas

聰明咭

CONTACTLESS SMART CARD

News conference on launch of the trial of contactless smart card

DE COESESSION THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (1933) LIMITED ·

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