KMB Introduces Hong Kong’s First and More Eco-Friendly 12.8 Meters Long Bus
The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. has introduced a 12.8 meters bus co-developed with the bus manufacturer that is the longest in Hong Kong and the first bus of its type in Asia. The bus has passed the Transport Department’s (“TD”) Type Approval Test and can run on the streets when it is licensed. Now the bus is undergoing a route test with a view to selecting routes and entering passenger service as soon as possible.
This 12.8 meters bus has been co-developed by KMB and the bus manufacturer to provide increased capacity to meet the demands of routes with heavy passenger needs. The bus is equipped with Euro 5 engine which releases 340ps power, and gives the dimension of 2.5 meters wide and 4.4 meters height, with the body painted in classical champagne gold colour. The bus provides 4 extra seats each on upper and lower decks (upper deck has 63 seats in total and lower deck 35). Due to the more spacious compartment, the lower deck can take in 48 standees. The gross capacity of the bus is close to 150. This bus has the highest capacity among KMB’s air-conditioned double-deck buses, carrying even more passengers than models with the 3+2 seating layout.
KMB Senior Manager, Maintenance Administration Ng Kuen Yiu said, “Due to the enhanced power steering and tire systems, the power and climbing ability of 12.8 meters long bus are the same as the 12 meters long bus, turning flexibly with comparable cyclotron radius and high precision, even though the bus is slightly longer.” In other words, the 12.8 meters long bus can turn safely in Hong Kong’s narrow streets, just like 12 meters long buses.
Besides, the longer body generates a broader eye range and more comfortable feeling. In addition, the new and enhanced high back seats, advanced electronic display screen, safe and convenient straight stairs, and wide passage, all enable passengers to enjoy a more comfortable ride.
“KMB has been working closely with bus manufacturers in different parts of the world to develop more environment-friendly, safer and more comfortable buses. The engine of 12.8 meters long bus is built according to the British and Euro CO2 emission standards with appropriate tuning based on Hong Kong operating environment. Due to increased passenger capacity, the exhaust emission, fuel consumption and the amount of road space taken up per passenger are relatively lower, making the bus more environment-friendly,” said James Louey, Commercial Director of KMB.
KMB plans to arrange the 12.8 meters long bus to serve routes with the higher passenger demands, e.g. routes using interchanges and highways. The new bus is expected to reduce emission and contribute to better air pollution and better health for Hong Kong’s citizens.
KMB has placed orders for four 12.8 meters long buses (prototype) from two bus manufacturers, Alexander Dennis Limited Environ 500 Turbo and Volvo B9TL. Among them, two have already arrived in Hong Kong in April, with the other two coming soon. It is TD’s requirement that the first bus of any new model has to pass its Type Approval Test before it can be licensed to serve passengers. Now after having passed the Type Approval Test, KMB is conducting a route test with a view to selecting routes so the bus can start passenger service as soon as possible.
Specifications of the New KMB 12.8 Meters Long Bus
Specifications |
ADL Enviro 500 Turbo |
Volvo B9TL Euro 5 |
Length/Width/Height |
12.8m/2.5m/4.4m |
12.8 m /2.5 m /4.4 m |
Expected Passenger Capacity |
Upper Deck Seating: 63 |
Upper Deck Seating: 63* |
Bus Body |
Enviro 500 II |
Wright Eclipse Gemini |
Gross Weight |
26,500 kg |
26,300 kg* |
Engine Type |
Cummins ISL8.9E5 340B Euro 5 |
Volvo D9B310 Euro 5 |
BHP |
340ps (250 kw) @ 2100 rpm |
310ps (228 kw)@ 1700 rpm |
* Figures to be confirmed
KMB Commercial Director Mr. James Louey (second left), Corporate Affairs Director Ms Vivien Chan (second right), Senior Manager (Maintenance Administration) Mr. Ng Kuen Yiu (first right) and Manager (Bus Body Construction) Mr. Hong Shun Man launched a KMB 12.8 meters bus.
The 12.8 meters bus unveiled by the guests is the longest in Hong Kong and the first of its type in Asia.
Participants at the event wished to see the new bus entering passenger service as soon as possible.
The gross capacity of the 12.8 meters bus is close to 150, the highest capacity among KMB’s air-conditioned double-deck buses.