1996 — Page 99

A Modern Bus Fleet

In a continual effort to provide better service to passengers, KMB made significant investment in upgrading its bus fleet.

Air-conditioned Buses

During the year, a total of 283 new 3 axle air-conditioned double-deck buses were introduced into service and a further 319 were ordered for delivery in 1997.

The addition was in response to passenger surveys and patronage trends which indicated a growing demand for air-conditioned bus services. The enlargement of our air-conditioned service reflects the Company's commitment to customer satisfaction. In the year under review, the number of air-conditioned buses increased from 975 to 1,233, comprising 948 double-deck and 285 single-deck buses, representing 34 per cent of our total fleet.

Easy-access Buses

In mid-June 1996, KMB pioneered an easy-access assessment trial for less mobile. passengers with two specially-ordered super low-floor single-deck buses.

The two buses were deployed on route No 88K to test their performance under local operating conditions. Feedback from disabled passengers on the level of service and facilities provided was closely monitored. The trial results indicated that these buses operated satisfactorily in a local environment and no particular problems were

identified.

Although the level of use of these buses was not high on that particular route, a second batch of 10 more of these buses were purchased and delivered, bringing the total number in the fleet to 12, allowing us to expand the assessment trial to other routes. Consultation has been made with relevant bodies to decide on the

deployment of these buses to maximise usage.

KMB intends to extend the low floor feature to double-deck buses so that more. disabled passengers will benefit. Significant progress has been made during the

year in developing a low floor double-deck version with features similar to those of the single-deck model. The first prototype has been completed in the UK and testing has commenced. Proving vehicles are now being constructed and will begin operation during the first half of 1997.

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A maneuverable area equipped with safety features and an assistance button provides a comfortable trip for the

handicapped.

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