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New World First Bus

New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) was a major franchised bus operator in , specializing in services across , , and cross-harbour routes, until its integration into Citybus on July 1, 2023. Established in 1998 as a between NWS Holdings (a of ) and the British operator , NWFB was created to replace the underperforming China Motor Bus Company on , taking over 88 routes and commencing operations on September 1 of that year under a five-year from the government. Over its 25-year history, NWFB expanded its network significantly, operating up to 95 routes by 2023 and serving approximately 353,800 passengers daily, with a fleet that included double-decker buses and emphasized modern amenities like air-conditioning and electronic payment systems. The company introduced innovations such as the sightseeing bus service in 2009 and committed to , incorporating electric buses into its fleet as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions in Hong Kong's sector. Ownership changed hands in 2020 when NWS Holdings sold NWFB and its sister company Citybus to an international led by Templewater for HK$3.2 billion, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. In 2022, the Hong Kong government approved the merger of NWFB's franchise with Citybus's urban and cross-harbour operations into a single 10-year franchise under Citybus Limited, effective July 1, 2023, to streamline services and eliminate overlap in the densely populated areas of and . This consolidation transferred all NWFB routes, buses, and staff to the unified Citybus network, which adopted a new yellow, blue, and red while phasing out the distinctive NWFB branding, marking the end of NWFB as an independent entity but preserving its contributions to Hong Kong's efficient system.

History

Formation and franchise acquisition

New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) was formed in March 1998 as a between Services—a subsidiary of —with a 74% stake, and the transport operator , holding the remaining 26%. The venture was established specifically to participate in the bidding for a new to operate public bus services on , prompted by the government's decision not to renew the incumbent operator China Motor Bus (CMB)'s due to repeated failures and poor . Following the Executive Council's announcement on 18 February 1998 to terminate CMB's franchise effective 31 August 1998, the government initiated an open tender process for 59 routes and 29 cross-harbour routes (totaling 88 routes). NWFB emerged as the winner on 31 March 1998, outbidding competitors including and a Cheung Kong Infrastructure-led consortium, primarily due to its proposals emphasizing staff retention, service continuity, and substantial infrastructure investments. In its winning bid, NWFB committed to retaining all 2,300 CMB employees, maintaining existing route structures and fares for the first year, and investing HK$2 billion in operational enhancements. Key pledges included acquiring and introducing over 500 new air-conditioned buses within the initial phase of operations, alongside upgrades to depots, bus shelters, and technology such as payments and tachographs to improve reliability and accessibility.

Takeover from China Motor Bus

New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) commenced operations on 1 September 1998, taking over the franchise from China Motor Bus (CMB) at midnight on 31 August 1998. This handover included 88 routes serving and cross-harbour services, which NWFB inherited to maintain continuity in public transportation. As part of the transitional arrangements coordinated with the Transport Department, NWFB retained existing routings and bus stops initially, while establishing control centers to monitor service reliability and implementing contingency plans such as spare vehicles and drivers to address potential disruptions coinciding with the new school year. The initial fleet comprised 710 buses procured from , with an average age of 11 years, supplemented by 50 new buses delivered by late August 1998 to bolster capacity. This aging fleet contributed to early operational challenges, including reliability issues that led to service disruptions; in the first month of operation (October 1998), NWFB received 91 customer complaints, with approximately one-third concerning irregular services, though this was lower than CMB's 193 complaints in the preceding half-year. To mitigate these problems, NWFB committed to acquiring additional new buses over the following two years, with initial deliveries helping to stabilize operations by replacing the oldest vehicles and reducing breakdowns. Additionally, NWFB retained 2,300 CMB employees through formal offers extended in early August 1998, ensuring experienced staff continuity and minimizing labor disruptions during the . A key early milestone was the integration of the electronic payment system, which NWFB fully implemented across its fleet by 2001 following a rigorous installation program that began in 1999. This upgrade enhanced fare collection efficiency and passenger convenience, aligning with broader commitments to modernize services post-takeover. By completing these initial stabilizations, NWFB addressed the immediate challenges of the CMB inheritance and laid the foundation for improved reliability.

Operational expansions and developments

Following its initial takeover of China Motor Bus services, New World First Bus (NWFB) pursued network growth through competitive tenders for emerging areas. In 1999, NWFB was awarded a package of routes serving Tseung Kwan O South, marking its first major expansion beyond Hong Kong Island and enabling service to the new development zone with dedicated routes like those connecting to Kowloon via interchanges at Ngau Tau Kok. This addition addressed rising demand in the area, with approximately 40 buses redeployed from existing operations to support the new services. By mid-2002, NWFB secured another tender for the West Kowloon Reclamation bus package, introducing routes such as the 700-series to link the reclaimed district with Kowloon and cross-harbour connections, thereby extending operations into Kowloon and parts of the New Territories. These expansions increased the total number of routes from the original 88 to around 95 by the 2010s, enhancing connectivity for residential and commercial growth in these regions. Service enhancements focused on modernizing the fleet for comfort and efficiency. In 2009, NWFB introduced the sightseeing bus service, offering open-top tours of to promote tourism. By the end of 2000, 96% of NWFB's buses were air-conditioned, up from 33% at the 1998 takeover, achieved through the acquisition of over 500 new vehicles. The company completed the transition to a fully air-conditioned fleet by August 2002, retiring the last non-air-conditioned buses and aligning with industry standards for passenger comfort in Hong Kong's subtropical climate. Accessibility improvements culminated in mid-October 2015, when the retirement of remaining high-floor vehicles resulted in an all-low-floor fleet, facilitating easier boarding for elderly and disabled passengers and positioning NWFB as the second franchised operator to achieve this milestone. Environmental initiatives integrated sustainable technologies into operations. In 2014, NWFB introduced three Enviro500 double-decker buses for trial on routes, featuring diesel-electric systems with lithium-ion batteries and "Arrive and Go" technology to reduce emissions at low speeds and idling. Building on this, NWFB launched Hong Kong's first electric bus trials in December 2015 under a government-subsidized HK$180 million scheme, deploying single-deck vehicles on routes 81 and 78 to assess performance over two years, with monitoring by a multi-agency focused on air quality improvements. These efforts supported broader goals of lowering roadside emissions without specific quantitative targets publicized at the time. Passenger amenities advanced through digital innovations in the . NWFB implemented real-time (ETA) systems across all routes, integrated into the HKeMobility app and shared via Data.gov.hk from August 2019, allowing users to track buses based on location, bookmarks, and frequent routes. This enhanced journey planning and reliability, particularly for cross-harbour and extensions, contributing to amid network growth.

Ownership changes and merger with Citybus

In May 2000, FirstGroup sold its 26% stake in New World First Bus Services Limited to joint venture partner New World Development for HK$457 million, granting the latter full ownership of the company. On 21 August 2020, NWS Holdings, a subsidiary of New World Development, announced the sale of its entire interests in New World First Bus and Citybus to Bravo Transport Holdings Limited, a consortium led by Templewater Bravo, for HK$3.2 billion (US$410 million). The acquisition was completed on 15 October 2020, with Bravo Transport assuming over 90% ownership of both operators. On 12 July 2022, as part of a 10-year franchise renewal approved by the Executive Council, announced the merger of First Bus's franchise with Citybus's urban and network into a single entity named Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and Bus Network). The renewal aligned the expiry dates of both franchises to 30 June 2033, with committing HK$3.5 billion over the decade for service improvements, including network re-engineering and zero-emission initiatives. The merger took effect on 1 July 2023, transferring all New World First Bus operations, routes, and fleet to Citybus. The final New World First Bus service was Route 970X, departing (Kom Tsun Street) Bus Terminus at 1:30 a.m. on 1 July 2023. The New World First Bus brand was retired upon merger, with all services operating under the Citybus name to ensure operational continuity.

Fleet

Initial fleet and modernization

Upon acquiring the franchise from China Motor Bus (CMB) on 1 September 1998, New World First Bus (NWFB) inherited a fleet of 710 double-decker buses. This fleet primarily comprised non-air-conditioned vehicles with an average age exceeding 10 years, where only approximately 33% were air-conditioned. Many of these buses dated back to the 1970s and 1980s, including models such as the , which contributed to operational challenges due to their age and condition. To fulfill franchise obligations for enhanced and comfort, NWFB committed to a major fleet modernization , pledging an investment of HK$2 billion in 500 new air-conditioned double-decker buses along with depot upgrades. The initial phase saw the rapid introduction of over 200 new vehicles by late 1998, featuring models like the and Volvo Olympian, which offered improved reliability, low-floor access, and full air-conditioning. These additions directly addressed early reliability concerns arising from the inherited fleet's frequent breakdowns and maintenance demands, particularly on hilly terrain. The upgrade proceeded in phases, with NWFB introducing 450 new air-conditioned buses by the end of 1999, comprising 42% of the total fleet at that time. Non-air-conditioned ex-CMB buses were progressively retired and refurbished air-conditioned ones retained temporarily, culminating in a fully air-conditioned fleet by August 2002. This strategic overhaul not only met regulatory requirements but also elevated overall service standards amid competition from other operators.

Fleet composition and vehicle types

New World First Bus's fleet was dominated by double-decker buses, which accounted for the vast majority of its to accommodate high passenger volumes on urban and cross-harbour services. Key models included the , widely adopted for its low-floor design and capacity of up to 80 passengers per deck, as well as the and MAN 18.310 chassis, both featuring advanced low-emission Euro IV and V engines to meet environmental regulations. These double-deckers emphasized reliability and efficiency, with three-axle configurations for longer routes and two-axle variants for more maneuverable operations. Single-decker buses were used sparingly for specialized or lower-demand services, comprising less than 2% of the fleet by the late 2010s. Notable examples included Dennis Dart and models, alongside a small number of electric vehicles introduced in the 2010s to trial sustainable technologies. Among these, electric buses, powered by lithium iron-phosphate batteries, represented early adoption of zero-emission options, with four units operational by 2019 alongside Great Dragon electrics. The fleet size remained stable at approximately 700 buses following the initial inheritance of 710 vehicles in 1998, with the franchise-mandated purchase of over 500 new air-conditioned buses between 1998 and 2000 primarily serving as replacements for older models rather than net expansion. This modernization shifted the composition toward low-emission models, achieving 98.4% compliance with standards by 2010. By 2019, the fleet stood at 703 buses, with 687 double-deckers and emphasis on Euro VI-compliant engines for reduced emissions. The company's branding featured a distinctive cream body with red accents, introduced in 1998 to replace the prior China Motor Bus scheme, evolving over time to incorporate environmental motifs like green highlights on select low-emission vehicles. This livery, applied across the fleet during initial modernization efforts, symbolized NWFB's commitment to a modern, passenger-focused identity.

Fleet at closure and transfer

At the time of its merger with Citybus on 1 July 2023, New World First Bus (NWFB) operated a fleet of approximately 605 licensed buses, including a mix of double-deckers and single-deckers acquired in the years leading up to the closure. This fleet encompassed recent additions such as double-deckers, which had been introduced progressively since 2013 to modernize operations, alongside a smaller number of electric models like the K9R single-deckers first deployed in 2015. The transfer process involved handing over all NWFB vehicles to Citybus, enabling the integration of the two fleets under a unified . Rebranding efforts commenced immediately, with NWFB-specific liveries and logos on the buses being replaced by the new Citybus branding to reflect the merged operations. In preparation for the franchise renewal and merger, NWFB accelerated the retirement of older models, particularly those registered before 2010, to comply with environmental standards mandating the phase-out of higher-emission vehicles before they reached 18 years of age. This alignment supported broader goals in the renewed franchise terms. The integration of NWFB's fleet into Citybus significantly bolstered the latter's capacity, contributing to a combined operation of over 1,700 buses and facilitating streamlined services across , , and the under Bravo Transport's ownership.

Routes and Services

Hong Kong Island and cross-harbour routes

New World First Bus (NWFB) commenced operations on September 1, 1998, by acquiring the franchise for 88 routes previously operated by China Motor Bus (CMB) on Hong Kong Island. These routes formed the core of NWFB's network, providing essential connectivity across the island's urban and suburban areas, including circular services such as Route 1 from Kennedy Town to the Star Ferry via Central, Route 6 serving eastern districts, and Route 11 covering mid-levels areas like Robinson Road. Cross-harbour routes, jointly operated with Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), linked Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, exemplified by Route 103 from Chuk Yuen Estate to Pokfield Road and Route 113 from Choi Hung to Kennedy Town via the Cross Harbour Tunnel. The services emphasized high-frequency operations using double-decker buses, catering to dense urban demand from Central to outlying areas like Stanley and . Peak-hour schedules incorporated express variants, such as limited-stop services on routes like 2X and 8P, to reduce travel times and enhance reliability for commuters. This network handled the majority of public bus traffic on , with an estimated daily passenger capacity exceeding 350,000 by the early 2020s. Following the 1998 takeover, NWFB implemented route adjustments to improve , including route mergers and the of limited-stop services in the early , such as the consolidation of Routes 1 and 5A into a single corridor from to Central. These changes aimed to address overcrowding and competition from the while maintaining comprehensive coverage of key districts like Wan Chai, , and . By 2017, the network encompassed over 50 Hong Kong Island routes and several cross-harbour links, as outlined in official schedules, ensuring seamless integration with services without overlapping non-island extensions.

Kowloon and New Territories extensions

Following its initial focus on , New World First Bus (NWFB) expanded into and the through targeted franchise awards. In December 1999, the Hong Kong government granted NWFB the rights to operate seven new routes in South , breaking Kowloon Motor Bus's long-standing monopoly in those areas and introducing services in phases from early 2000 to 2002. These routes were designed as feeder services to link new residential developments with stations, accommodating up to 80,000 daily passengers using a dedicated fleet of about 80 buses. By the end of 2001, NWFB operated these seven routes alongside its core network. Key examples among the Tseung Kwan O extensions included routes 792M, operating between Station and Sai Kung via Hang Hau, and 793, connecting Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate to So Uk in . These services emphasized efficient links to , with short headways during peak hours to support commuter flows from the growing district. In 2001, NWFB secured further growth by winning five routes in West Kowloon, extending its presence into denser urban corridors. Representative routes included 904 and 905, which provided express connections from West Kowloon reclamation areas to via cross-harbour tunnels. Overall, these extensions comprised about 20 feeder and express routes by the mid-2000s, concentrating on high-demand paths such as industrial zones and MTR interchanges rather than blanket coverage of . To ensure network efficiency, NWFB integrated its services with (KMB) through joint operations on 29 cross-harbour routes, enabling seamless passenger transfers and coordinated scheduling at key interchanges. This collaboration complemented NWFB's core operations by funneling traffic from the extensions across the harbor.

Special and night services

New World First Bus operated a network of overnight services designated as the N-series, which provided 24-hour connectivity along major corridors on and cross-harbour links to . These routes, such as N8 from Siu Sai Wan to Central and N8P from Heng Fa Chuen to , ran from late evening until early morning, typically between midnight and 6 a.m., serving passengers needing transportation outside standard daytime hours. In addition to regular night operations, NWFB provided special services tailored to events and disruptions, including shuttle routes for festivals and major gatherings. For instance, route 796R was introduced in 2018 to transport spectators from near to following events at the , such as concerts, operating post-event when fully loaded. NWFB also launched the open-top sightseeing bus service in 2009, offering circular tours of landmarks like and Stanley, emphasizing tourist access until the 2023 merger. These supplementary services extended coverage to temporary high-demand areas, such as during cultural festivals, ensuring efficient dispersal of crowds without relying solely on the primary daytime network. The N-series encompassed approximately 10 night routes, focusing on high-traffic areas like Eastern District to Central and cross-harbour extensions to , with frequencies ranging from 15 to 30 minutes during overnight hours to balance demand and efficiency. To enhance passenger safety on these late-night services, NWFB equipped its buses with (CCTV) systems, including forward-facing cameras for monitoring road conditions and internal to deter incidents. Upon NWFB's franchise expiry on 1 July 2023, its night and special services were seamlessly transferred to Citybus under a merged , preventing any disruptions to overnight coverage and maintaining continuity for users across and cross-harbour routes. This transition preserved the 24-hour service framework, with Citybus assuming operations like the N8P route starting at 4:00 a.m. on the same day.

Corporate Structure

Ownership history

New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) was established on 10 September 1998 as a between Services Limited—a wholly owned of Company Limited—and the British transport operator plc. Services held a 74% majority stake, while owned the remaining 26%. This structure was formed to secure a five-year from the Hong Kong government, commencing 1 September 1998, to operate 88 bus routes on previously serviced by China Motor Bus Company Limited after its termination. In May 2000, New World Services acquired 's 26% stake for HK$457 million, achieving full ownership of NWFB and valuing the at HK$1.8 billion. The buyout ended the partnership after less than two years, allowing to refocus on its core operations in the and . Following this, NWFB's ownership aligned with the renewal of its franchise in 2003 for a 10-year term ending 30 June 2013, under the oversight of New World Services. NWS Holdings Limited, the restructured and renamed New World Services, conducted an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in January 2003, with NWFB operating as one of its key subsidiaries thereafter. This corporate evolution supported further franchise renewals, including a 10-year extension granted in 2013 (effective 1 July 2013 to 1 July 2023). In June 2003, NWS Holdings also acquired Citybus Limited, integrating it under the same parent but maintaining separate operations for NWFB. On 21 August 2020, NWS Holdings announced the sale of NWS Transport Services Limited—the holding entity for NWFB and Citybus—to a led by Templewater Bravo Holdings Limited, alongside Hans Energy Company Limited and Ascendal Group Limited, forming . The transaction, valued at HK$3.2 billion, was completed in October 2020, transferring full ownership of NWFB to ahead of the 2023 merger of its franchise with Citybus into a single 10-year franchise under Citybus Limited.

Management and key personnel

New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) was initially led by as its first managing director from April 1998 to January 2004, a period marked by efforts to stabilize and improve services following the takeover of routes from the troubled . , a former government official, emphasized staff engagement and operational reliability to rebuild public trust in the franchise. Under the oversight of parent company NWS Holdings Limited, NWFB's board reported to the group's executive leadership, including chairman Dr. Henry Cheng Kar Shun and deputy CEO Mr. Hui Hon Chung, with day-to-day operations guided by a managing director and specialized departments for operations, engineering, maintenance, and customer service. Samuel Cheng Wai Po served as managing director of both NWFB and its sister company Citybus from 2004, bringing over two decades of experience to coordinate and route efficiency. Tsang Yam Pui acted as vice chairman of NWFB during this era, contributing to initiatives within the broader NWS structure. Management drove key accessibility projects, such as the progressive introduction and retrofitting of low-floor buses to enhance wheelchair access, culminating in an all-low-floor fleet by mid-2015 and ongoing upgrades like additional safety rails on exit doors by 2017. Leaders also spearheaded environmental efforts, including trials of zero-emission electric buses starting in 2015, with five units operational by 2016 and plans for expansion. These initiatives reflected a strategic focus on and passenger convenience under NWS guidance. Following the 2020 acquisition by Bravo Transport Holdings Limited, a led by Templewater, Cliff Zhang became chairman of NWFB's board, while Leishman was appointed CEO to oversee strategic direction amid ownership changes. Zhang, a founding partner at Templewater, emphasized innovation in green transport during his tenure. In preparation for the merger with Citybus, NWFB's , including retained operational experts, collaborated on to consolidate routes and resources under a unified leadership structure. Post-merger, as of 2025, NWFB ceased to operate as an independent entity, with its specialized personnel in engineering and customer service integrated into Citybus operations, preserving institutional knowledge while transitioning the brand's services.

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