Introduction:Double Decker buses are a favourable way to get around Hong Kong and a great way to sightsee. The Double Decker buses are operated by three main bus companies respectively; Kowloon Motor Bus, New World First Bus and Citybus. In the New Territories, it is always common to see Kowloon Motor Buses (for short, KMB) while on Hong Kong Island, New World First Bus (NWFB) and Citybus dominate the roads.
Added-Value Services:
Hong Kong buses are full of added value services and the bus companies invest wisely. For example, all buses are under a replacement scheme to scrap all old buses and replace them with new, state-of-the-art ones to provide better service.
One feature is the 'Electronic Bus-stop Announcement System' on KMB buses. They display the next bus stop electronically [on a dashboard] and with a voice-
over in Cantonese, English and Mandarin, extremely useful for tourists.Another facility worth mentioning are TV programs dubbed Roadshow. They are shown on dedicated Samsung LCD TVs on every air-conditioned bus providing various content but mainly advertising. Several programs on Roadshow include cartoons, bus safety tips and cooking shows. Unfortunately, these programs are only in Cantonese, but there are plans for English shows in the future.
How Do I Pay?
All buses in Hong Kong accept coins, but not dollar notes. When you are boarding, there should be a coin collection box. Above the collection box, an electronic sign tells you how much to pay. An alternative is to pay by Octopus Card, which is faster and easier. Pricing is separated into three parts, Kids (3-11), Adults (12-64), and Elderly (65+). All other ages travel free of charge.
