FAQ

1. When was KMB established?

The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited was established in April 1933 after obtaining a franchise to operate bus services in Kowloon and the New Territories. In 1992, the Chinese name of KMB was amended from 「九龍汽車(一九三三)有限公司」 to 「九龍巴士(一九三三)有限公司」 in order to better reflect its business nature as a public bus operator while its English name remained unchanged. In 1997, The Kowloon Motor Bus Holdings Limited ("KMB Holdings") was established, comprising various divisions responsible for local franchised bus services, non-franchised transport services, Mainland China transport services, non-transport business (property development, multimedia business, sale of bus models), and internal financial management. The renaming of the company as "Transport International" on 28 November 2005 is part of the Group's overarching vision to become a world-class public transport innovator in the Greater China region.

1. How many buses does KMB have?

As at 31 December 2019, KMB had a fleet of 4,081 licensed buses, including 3,938 double-deck buses and 143 single-deck buses serving more than 2.9 million passenger-trips every day.

2. When did KMB introduce double-deck buses?

In 1949, KMB took the historic step of introducing its first batch of double-deck buses, the Daimler A, to meet the increasing demand for public transport.

3. When did KMB introduce air-conditioned buses?

In 1975, KMB introduced the first single-deck air-conditioned buses to operate on airport routes. In 1988, KMB introduced air-conditioned double-deck buses.

4. Is there any meaning for the English letters used on some of bus routes?

KMB uses different English letters to categorise different bus routes. For example, 'M' and 'K' represent bus routes that provide feeder services for the railways; 'X' represents express routes running on highways; 'R' represents routes that operate only on Sundays and Public Holidays or large-scale events held; 'P' and ‘S’ represent bus routes that operate only during peak hours or during festivals; 'N' represents overnight bus routes; ‘H’ represents hospital routes.

5. Which KMB bus route has the longest journey distance and which one has the shortest?

The journey distance of Route 960B (operating from Quarry Bay to Hung Shui Kiu) is the longest at 51.4 km, while that of Route 273S (operating from Wah Ming to Fanling Railway Station) is the shortest at only 1.8 km.

6. Which KMB bus route has the largest number of en-route stops and which has the least?

With 144 en-route stops, Route 53 (operating between Tsuen Wan West Railway Station Bus Terminus and Yuen Long [East]) has the most, while Route 71B (operating from Fu Heng to Tai Po Central) has only two stops.

7. Can the amount of air conditioning inside buses be adjusted?

The air conditioning system allows adjustment of the temperature and airflow inside buses under different conditions, and passengers can also adjust the amount of air conditioning and the direction of airflow. An air conditioning system equipped with an ambient sensor, which can adjust the temperature inside buses with reference to the temperature outside, has been introduced more recently.

1. What are the factors that need to be considered when KMB introduces a new route?

KMB continually monitors bus services in different regions by conducting passenger surveys, in order to meet the changing travelling requirements of our passengers in line with resource considerations. A 5-Year Plan is consolidated and reviewed each year to set out the Route Development Programme, which includes proposals for new routes.

KMB needs to take into account various factors when considering the development of new routes. These include passenger demand, traffic flow, locations of en-route stops and termini, alternative modes of public transport and routeing. We also need to submit the new route proposal to the Transport Department and seek its approval. All issues concerning cross-harbour tunnel routes, including the introduction of new routes, proposed changes in existing routes, service hours and frequency, are co-ordinated by the Transport Department and discussed with other joint bus operators.

2. How does KMB arrange bus maintenance services?

All KMB buses are maintained in good condition by the company’s service staff. They conduct repairs for minor items daily according to bus captains' reports. Besides undergoing routine daily cleaning and refuelling, every bus has a monthly check-up and attends a minor dock every six months. Moreover, every bus prepared for a C.O.R. and needs to be inspected by the Transport Department annually, in order for its vehicle license to be renewed.

In addition, bus emission levels are checked at monthly inspections and every bus undergoes an emissions test at the minor dock to ensure that the emission level meets the standard.

3. How does KMB ensure that its buses are clean?

Bus compartments are swept in day time at bus terminus and after service in depot everyday and disinfected regularly. The outside of all KMB buses are cleaned by an automatic bus body washing machine every night after they return from service. A thorough cleansing of bus facilities (seats and windows) is conducted once a week, and both the interior and exterior of all buses are cleansed monthly.

Soot filters of air-conditioned buses are cleaned every other week.

4. How does KMB improve the air quality of air-conditioned buses?

Air conditioning is more effective than ventilation in terms of dust filtering performance. According to tests conducted overseas, after the air conditioning has been functioning for 20 minutes, the amount of dust in the air is reduced by 30% compared with ventilation. KMB also introduced electrostatic filters in air-conditioned buses to further improve the air quality inside buses. To provide tighter monitoring of the air quality on board, KMB conducts periodic measurements of CO2 on air-conditioned buses operating on the busiest routes.

5. How did passengers pay their fares in the past?

In the 1930s and 1940s, passengers could ride first or second class, and tickets were issued by a conductor on board upon payment of fares. Starting from the 1970s, KMB’s One Man Operation replaced the requirement for a conductor on board and a coin box was used instead. In the 1980s, Common Stored Value Ticket machines were installed on some MTR feeder buses. At that time, 55 tonnes of coins were collected from coin boxes each day. In 1997, KMB introduced the Octopus system on some of its bus routes. By 1 January 2001, the whole fleet has been equipped with the Octopus system. Nowadays, with the widespread use of Octopus cards for fare payment, the weight of the coins collected from coin boxes has been reduced to less than 10 tonnes a day.

6. How does KMB set the fares of different bus routes?

The fares of all KMB bus routes are decided under a fare scale set up by the Government, based on the nature and journey distance of each bus route. With regard to types, bus routes are divided into Urban Kowloon, New Territories, Cross-Harbour, etc; each type is further divided into urban, urban express, rural, rural recreation, racecourse, special, overnight, etc.

7. How does KMB decide the sectional fares of different bus routes?

About 75% of KMB bus routes are now providing sectional fares. A one-way step down fare system is now generally adopted whereby the fare depends only on the boarding point. KMB takes into accounts various factors when considering the application of sectional fares on different bus routes. These include: 1) passenger demand pattern; 2) financial implications; 3) the fares of other bus routes and the charges of other modes of public transport; 4) the effects on bus operations and 5) the relative costs and benefits to short distance and long distance passengers in terms of fare, frequency, travelling time and comfort.

8. Does KMB provide discounted bus fares to passengers?

Starting from 5 August 2012, KMB and LWB rolled out the Government’s Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities. These passengers enjoy a flat fare of HK$2 or the current applicable fare, whichever is lower, for each passenger trip on every day of the week. The concessionary fare applies to all KMB routes (except racecourse routes).

Valid holders of a personalised Octopus card with student status can enjoy the benefits of the “50% Same-day Return Discount Concession Scheme” when they use the same Octopus card to pay for the return trip on the same KMB route group* on the same day. The scheme covers more than 80 KMB routes, including harbour-crossing and district-crossing routes.

On 24 February 2018, the KMB Monthly Pass officially went on sale. The Monthly Pass is valid for 30 consecutive days and covers over 400 bus routes of Hong Kong. In addition to Monthly Pass Kiosks in each district, passengers can buy the Monthly Pass on App1933. Please click here for more details.

On 17 December 2018, KMB launched the “KMB Fare Saver” Scheme, which has been well received by teachers, students and the public.　Passengers with Adult or Student Octopus Cards can take their first KMB trip, then tap their Octopus Card at the Fare Saver kiosk after the trip on the same Business Day. If they take a second KMB trip using the same Octopus Cards on the same Business Day, they will receive $4 fare discount. Please click here for more details.

1.ISO Achieved by KMB?

KMB has provided reliable franchised bus services in Hong Kong for some eighty years, and is an industry leader in operational and service excellence. Reflecting the company’s aim to achieve the highest operational and service standards, KMB has been ISO certified for Quality Management Systems (ISO9001) since 1999. KMB adopted the latest version of ISO9001 in 2018 and has been ISO certified for Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001) at its two largest depots since 2003. To further improve occupational health and safety, KMB has been ISO certified for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO45001) for all its depots since June 2019.

1. What does "environment-friendly bus fleet" mean?

"Environment-friendly bus fleet" refers to those buses which meet the strict exhaust emission standards of the European Council of Environmental Ministers. At the end of 2019, KMB had 2,830 air-conditioned Euro V buses, 221 Euro VI buses, ten battery electric buses and eight supercapacitor electric buses in the fleet. KMB introduced Hong Kong’s first Euro VI diesel double-deck bus in 2017. Compared to the Euro V double-decker, the Euro VI bus’s emissions of major pollutants are reduced considerably, with emissions of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter reduced by 80%, 72% and 50% respectively.

2. Besides the engine, what other environment-friendly features can be found on KMB buses?

Many features on KMB buses, including the passenger seats, the air-conditioning system and the air filters, are durable, which reduces maintenance costs and accords with the principle of environmental protection.

In 2018, KMB introduced the second generation of the in-house developed solar panel double-deck bus. Compared with buses without solar panels, the “solar panel bus 2.0” reduces the saloon air temperature by around 8-10°C. The cooling time will be 50% faster compared to the first generation of the solar panel bus, and it is estimated that the bus will save 3% in fuel consumption. When the engine is turned off, the solar energy captured will drive the air ventilation system to extract hot air from inside the bus compartment though two specially designed ducts. When the engine is turned on, the system supplies electricity directly to the USB chargers and also drives the ventilation fans of the air-conditioning system and the engine compartment.

KMB and LWB have further developed their electric bus (“eBus”) with a 324 KWh Iron Phosphate Lithium battery power pack capable of delivering 180km of zero-emission bus transport. KMB has also introduced the latest version of the “gBus”, the supercapacitor-powered bus, which testifies to KMB’s vision for green public transport in the future. The gBus is ideal for urban bus routes characterised by long working hours and frequent start-stop duty cycles.

1. What is an environment-friendly bus shelter?

The roof of the environmentally-friendly bus shelter is made of a special material. Made from polycarbonate and reinforced by a special ultraviolet-resistant surface treatment, the roof insulates against a large proportion of ultraviolet radiation, as well as providing noise and thermal insulation for passengers.

2. Why doesn't KMB build bus shelters at all bus stops?

Every year, KMB develops a bus shelter construction plan, and bus shelters are built in sequence according to the number of bus routes serving different districts and the number of passengers. The details of the construction plan, including the position, design and the materials of the bus shelters, are subject to the approval of the Transport Department and other relevant Government departments. In places where utility facilities, such as water pipes and electrical pipes, are located beneath the pedestrian path, bus shelters cannot be constructed.

3. What is the Solar-powered Bus Shelter?

In November 2017, KMB launched the “Solar-powered Bus Shelter” Scheme. Solar panels are being installed on the roofs of 600 bus stops without an electricity supply to power lights and mosquito-repelling devices. The installations can provide passengers with a more comfortable and convenient experience while waiting for buses.

1. What is "Estimated Time of Arrival" (ETA)?

KMB developed its own ETA system, providing passengers with real-time bus information on the mobile phone app / KMB website to facilitate journey planning. The ETA system shows the estimated arrival time of the next three buses arriving on a route in the next hour, or fewer if applicable.

2. How does ETA system work?

The ETA system uses the on-board GPS tracking device to track bus locations on a real-time basis and, factoring this in with relevant route conditions/patterns, provides the estimated next bus arrival time. If the GPS signal is interrupted by factors such as high-rise buildings and tunnels, the ETA system will use historical data to estimate the next bus arrival time until the signal is recovered.

3. How can I access ETA information?

Method 1 – Download the KMB/LWB mobile phone app on your iPhone or Android phone:

(Left) Open the KMB/LWB app and the estimated arrival times of all nearby bus routes will be displayed on the landing page. (Right) Passengers may input their chosen route and direction, and click on the required bus stop to obtain the estimated arrival times of the next three buses arriving in the next hour, or fewer if applicable.

Method 2 – Go to KMB or LWB website:

Enter the route number in “Estimated Time of Arrival” field in the upper left corner of the KMB website. After choosing the route direction and bus stop, estimated arrival times of the next three buses arriving in the next hour, or fewer if applicable, will be provided.

Method 3 – Four bus interchanges (Tuen Mun Road, Tai Lam Tunnel, Tate's Cairn Tunnel and Tsing Sha Highway) and some bus stops have screens showing the estimated arrival time of buses observing the stops. We plan to install screens progressively at all bus stops with an electricity supply.

4. How accurate is ETA in terms of its arrival time estimation?

ETA provides real-time information by tracking the present location of buses. However, the travelling time of buses varies according to the conditions (e.g. congestion, accidents and delays). The ETA system will update and adjust the estimated arrival time to reflect traffic conditions. Therefore, the shorter the interval between query time and arrival time, the more accurate the estimation is likely to be. Passengers are advised to keep track of updated arrival times and arrive at the bus stop in good time.

5. What is the reason for a sudden change in prediction time when repeating the query?

The ETA system will update and adjust the estimated arrival times according to the traffic conditions. Therefore, the shorter the interval between query time and arrival time, the more accurate the estimation is likely to be. Passengers are advised to keep track of updated arrival times and arrive at the bus stop in good time.

6. Why is no ETA information provided or the message “No Information Found” given?

In the following circumstances the ETA service will be unavailable:

• The route does not yet offer the ETA service. This applies, for example, to irregular routes.
• The route is not in service at the time of query. This applies, for example, to special peak-hour departures.

7. Why can’t I find certain bus stops on the mobile app at certain times?

At the moment, only regular en-route stops are provided with ETA information.

8. Why did a bus that was estimated to arrive after an interval of several minutes suddenly arrive?

This may be due to some ad hoc operational arrangements. For example, the bus may have been deployed mid-route to help ease crowding or to replace a bus in the case of an accident or breakdown.

9. Is the ETA service available on all platforms of smartphone app?

Currently the ETA service is available on iPhone and Android phones only.

10. Why is the ETA displayed in the mobile app seemed extraordinarily large (e.g. ETA for all routes showing more than 30 minutes)?

Please make sure your smartphone is set to the correct time zone (Hong Kong Time is GMT+ 08:00). For best results, we suggest your smartphone is set to “Set time automatically”.

11. What do the various “Symbols/messages” refer to ?

1. Please click here to view the "Notes to Passengers" posted on KMB buses.

2. Why don't bus captains allow passengers to carry bulky goods on board?

Bulky goods may be dislodged while the bus is in motion, and thus cause a hazard to passengers and to the driver. Passengers may not carry goods larger than 0.1m³ or goods which will pose any danger to passengers. Passengers taking Long Win "E/S/N" routes may take on board one piece of luggage with a maximum size of 71x56x26cm (28x22x10 in). Long Win "A" route passengers may carry one piece of luggage with a maximum size of 71x56x26cm (28x22x10 in) and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum size of 56x36x23cm (22x14x9 in) on board.

If the volume of goods is less than 0.1m³, such as a computer monitor, passengers should wrap it up properly before carrying it on board, and should not put it on a seat, but place it where it will not cause inconvenience to other passengers.

3. Why do bus captains on some occasions prohibit passengers from making payment with a large number of coins?

According to the Hong Kong Coinage Ordinance, passengers may not make payment solely by means of coins with the value of 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents when the total amount is over $2. However, bus captains will handle the situation case by case.

4. What can passengers do when they leave their belongings on buses?

When a bus arrives at the bus terminus, the bus captain will examine the bus compartment and cleaning staff will start cleaning the bus compartment. If they find any belongings that passengers have left behind, they will pass the belongings to regulators to register and keep. If the item is unclaimed on the day of left behind, it will be transferred to the Lost & Found Section. If passengers realise that they have left behind any belongings on buses, they can report with the bus route, lost item and contact information through the Chatbot “Lost property on bus” function on website or App1933. If the lost item is found, we will arrange the collection as soon as possible.

1. Tell Us What You Think

We are committed to providing the highest standards of quality services to our passengers. If you have got a comment, concern, compliment or complaint about services at KMB, please let us know.

You can expect our professional staff who are willing to listen and a timely response to your feedback. Our staff will provide clear and current information and treat you with courtesy and respect.

You may contact us through 24-hour artificial intelligence Chatbot channel, bot1933 on website and App1933 to obtain instant responses on bus service information and provide feedback.

2. How You Can Help Us

To facilitate good communications, we are grateful if a complainant could give a clear account of the issue and provide as much accurate and relevant information as possible. We will respond to it promptly and sensitively. Insufficient information may make us difficult to follow up your feedback.

We appreciate all feedback because it is important for us to improve our services. Please share with us your experience and treat our staff with courtesy and respect.

1. How many bus captains are employed by KMB?

KMB employs about 8,900 bus captains.

2. How can I become a KMB Bus Captain?

People who have held a driving license (Category 1 or Category 1 & 2) for three or more years and who have a good driving record are eligible to apply for the bus captain training programme provided by the KMB Bus Captain Training School. The basic training programme includes classroom lectures, driving instruction and route practice. Adopting a good attitude towards passengers and other road users is strongly emphasised during training.

3. How does KMB follow up the comments received from passengers regarding bus captain services?

Whenever we receive comments from passengers concerning the services of bus captains, we immediate notify the relevant departments and interview the bus captain involved. Based on the facts of the case, our Performance Management Section will take appropriate action. The behaviour and attitude of bus captains are monitored on a regular basis.

4. When did KMB commence its apprentice training programme?

The KMB Apprentice Training Centre was set up in 1973 and was renamed the KMB Technical Training School in 1982. Dedicated to the systematic development of professional workers involved in bus maintenance and repair, it is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. More than 2,000 apprentices have completed the apprentice training programme.

5. How can I become a KMB Technician Trainee?

Applicants for KMB’s Technician Trainee programme need to have completed secondary education or have equivalent qualifications. The induction training includes basic training in manual handling operations, knowledge of industrial safety and maintenance techniques. On-the-job training will be provided in depots afterwards.

6. What are career opportunities once the trainee programme is completed?

After completing the Technician Trainee programme, students can receive Completion Certificate of professional bus maintenance issued by bus manufacturers. Outstanding performers will be promoted to more senior positions. To keep on improving our technical standards, KMB provides advanced on-the-job training programmes to maintenance staff members to help them reach technical engineer or engineering management positions.

Long Win Bus Company Limited (“LWB”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. It was granted the franchise to operate bus routes for Hong Kong International Airport and North Lantau in 1996, and started to operate bus routes travelling between the Airport and the New Territories in 1997. As at 31 December 2019, LWB has 279 buses in its bus fleet, operating on 36 routes linking the New Territories with Hong Kong International Airport and North Lantau.