New World First Bus Operations and History

New World First Bus has a rich history that dates back to 1974, when it was founded as a subsidiary of the parent company, New World Group.

The company's first bus operation began in Hong Kong, with a fleet of 100 buses.

New World First Bus has been in operation for over 48 years, providing reliable and efficient transportation services to the community.

The company has a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, with a focus on providing safe and comfortable travel experiences.

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NWFB took over 88 bus routes on 1 September 1998, marking the start of its operations.

The fleet at that time consisted mostly of 710 step-entrance buses, which were later refurbished with new low-floor buses to compete with Citybus and KMB.

In 2000, FirstGroup sold its shares to joint venture partner New World Development, giving NWFB 100% ownership.

NWFB purchased 500 new low-floor buses, including 76 Dennis Dart SLFs and the remaining Dennis Tridents or Volvo B10TLs, to upgrade its fleet.

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These new buses replaced the older step-entrance buses, which were gradually phased out by January 2016.

NWFB's fleet became fully low-floor by 2016, except for two Dennis Condors and two Volvo Olympians that were transferred to Citybus before retirement.

The company began retiring its first-generation low-floor fleet after phasing out the older buses, and 1220 was even transferred to Citybus before retirement in 2020.

NWFB focused on second-generation low-floor fleet, including Enviro500 and B9TLs, before the merger in July 2023.

In June 2003, Citybus was purchased by NWFB's parent company NWS Holdings, bringing the bus services of Hong Kong Island under a single organization.

This acquisition allowed for the reshuffling of routes, cancellation of redundant routes, and introduction of Octopus card bus-bus interchange discounts between routes of both companies.

In January 2004, NWFB took a 51% shareholding in Kunming New World First Bus, a joint venture established with the Kunming government to operate services to Kunming in Yunnan.

NWFB's operations were eventually sold to the Bravo Transport consortium in August 2020, along with Citybus.

The Bravo Transport consortium announced the retirement of the NWFB brand in July 2022, with operations merged into Citybus when the next franchise commenced on 1 July 2023.

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As of July 2022, New World First Bus (NWFB) operates a fleet of 650 buses across four depots in Hong Kong.

NWFB's fleet has undergone significant changes over the years. The company's last Dennis Condor non-air-conditioned bus retired in August 2002, marking a shift towards more modern and comfortable transportation options.

The NWFB fleet includes a variety of bus models, such as the Volvo Olympian, Dennis Trident, and Alexander Dennis Enviro500 MMC, which was introduced in 2013.

Here's a list of some of the bus models in NWFB's fleet:

NWFB has also acquired buses from other companies, including China Motor Bus and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited.

NWFB's fleet consists of 650 buses as of July 2022. They operate four depots at Heng Fa Chuen, Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, and West Kowloon.

NWFB's officially last Dennis Condor non-air-conditioned bus retired in August 2002. This marked the end of an era for this type of bus.

The fleet includes a mix of old and new buses. For example, the Neoplan Centroliner was painted in the standard wavy livery.

In recent years, NWFB has introduced new buses to their fleet, such as the Alexander Dennis Enviro500 MMC, which was introduced in 2013.

Here is a list of some of the buses in NWFB's fleet:

Double Deck AC buses are a popular choice for public transportation in Hong Kong. They offer a spacious and comfortable ride for passengers.

The North West Ferry Bus (NWFB) fleet includes several models of double-deck air-conditioned buses. These buses are a great option for hot summer days.

Some of the models in the NWFB fleet include the Dennis Condor, Leyland Olympian, and Volvo Olympian. These buses are 11 meters long, perfect for navigating Hong Kong's busy streets.

The NWFB also operates the Dennis Trident, which comes in several lengths, including 10.6 meters, 10.3 meters, and 11.3 meters. These buses offer a great balance of space and maneuverability.

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Here's a list of some of the double-deck AC buses in the NWFB fleet:

The Enviro 500, in particular, is a popular choice for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.

New World First Bus has a significant presence in Hong Kong's bus network, with a large number of routes operating in various areas. The company has a total of 168 routes, although some have been rationalized over the years.

Before the merger with Citybus, New World First Bus had 168 routes, but triple-digit routes starting with 5 were later rationalized, with only three remaining. The company has also introduced new routes and services, such as the Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus subsidiary, which commenced operations in October 2009.

New World First Bus has expanded its network in recent years, winning bids for routes in areas such as West Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O. The company introduced the Octopus Interchange Scheme on several routes, offering more interchange concessions and restructuring the bus network to save resources.

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The old buses from the former CMB were all retired from the passenger fleet in mid-October 2015, making NWFB the second franchised bus company in Hong Kong to provide an all-low-floor service. The company has also undergone a change in ownership, with the new shareholder indicating that it has no intention to change the company name for the time being.

New World First Bus operates a range of routes in Kowloon and the New Territories, including express and circular services. Some of the notable routes include the 701, 702, and 795, which operate between various estates and districts.

Here is a list of some of the routes operated by New World First Bus in Kowloon and the New Territories:

New World First Bus also operates routes in the New Kowloon Development Area and Tseung Kwan O, and has a partnership with Kowloon Motor Bus to operate some routes. The company uses different color codes to distinguish its routes from those operated by other bus companies.

New World First Bus has had its share of incidents over the years. The company has experienced several major accidents, including a 2012 bus loss of control accident at Central Harbourfront and a 2012 Chai Wan Road bus crash.

Some of the notable incidents include a 2012 Fleming Road bus crash in Wan Chai and a 2023 Tseung Kwan O bus overturning accident. These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable public transportation system.

NWFB takes the safety of its passengers seriously and works to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

NWFB has experienced several major incidents over the years. These incidents include a bus loss of control accident at Central Harbourfront in 2012.

In 2012, there was a bus crash on Chai Wan Road. Another bus crash occurred on Fleming Road in Wan Chai the same year.

NWFB has also been involved in a bus overturning accident in Tseung Kwan O in 2023.

Refurbishment is a key aspect of maintaining a reliable and efficient fleet. NWFB invested heavily in refurbishing second-hand buses from China Motor Bus.

The refurbishment program upgraded the floor, handrails, lighting system, and seating layout of the buses. This resulted in a typical refurbished bus accommodating 10 fewer passengers than one before refurbishment.

Air pollution problems were also addressed during the refurbishment process. Catalytic converters were installed in the refurbished buses, reducing emissions of polluting exhaust gases and particulates by 50%.

NWFB phased out non air-conditioned buses from its fleet, with the last one, a Dennis Condor, serving its final journey on August 17, 2002. From then on, all buses in the NWFB fleet are air-conditioned.

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New World First Bus has undergone significant changes in its ownership and acquisitions over the years. The company was founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of New World Development.

In 2006, New World First Bus was acquired by Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, a bus operating company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings acquired New World First Bus for HK$1.64 billion, expanding its presence in the Hong Kong bus market.

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In February 1998, the government announced that the franchise for all 140 routes operated by CMB would not be reviewed when it expired on August 31 of that year.

Eighty-eight of the routes were put up for open tender, while 12 routes were transferred directly to Citybus, one cross-harbour route to Kowloon Motor Bus, and the remaining routes were cancelled.

Six companies lodged bids to operate the routes, including Affluent Dragon Island Limited, Stagecoach Group, Argos Bus, HKR International, Hong Kong Public Bus Co Limited, and Hong Kong United Bus Limited.

The proposed names of the new operators varied, with some retaining the original company name and others adopting new ones.

Here are the details of the bidders:

NWS Holdings was considered a dark horse in the bidding process, as it had no local bus operation experience.

Handover from China Motor Bus was a challenging process for NWFB, as China Motor Bus was reluctant to cooperate with New World First Bus.

The handover was particularly difficult after the transport chaos caused by the old Hong Kong International Airport's move to Chek Lap Kok on 6 July 1998.

NWFB eventually started its operation successfully at midnight on 1 September 1998, after a series of negotiations and help from the Government.

The official maiden departure of NWFB took place at 00:15 that night on Route N8, with the first new bus in the fleet being Fleet No. 1001.

NWFB had already started its operation of other non-overnight routes at midnight, as CMB refused to operate after that time.

Around 50 new buses were put into service on NWFB's first day of operation.

The remaining buses put in service were former CMB buses, with the New World First Bus logo stuck over the CMB logos and blue patches over the CMB corporate flag.

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Templewater acquired a company for a whopping HK$3.2 billion.

This acquisition is a significant one, as it highlights the company's commitment to growth and expansion.

Templewater has shown a history of strategic acquisitions, always looking to strengthen its position in the market.

In this case, the company's acquisition of the target firm will undoubtedly have a positive impact on its bottom line.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.

To plan your trip with New World First Bus, you'll want to check the schedule updates on the Moovit website or app for real-time info on status, delays, route changes, stop changes, and service changes.

You can find all New World First Bus lines and schedules in the Moovit App, which also provides helpful step-by-step navigation.

To pay your fare, you'll need to pay the exact fare upon getting on the bus, either with cash or your Octopus Card.

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To stay on top of schedule updates, you can check the Moovit website for real-time info on status, delays, changes of routes, changes of stops, and any service changes.

New World First Bus service alerts are easily accessible through Moovit, making it simple to plan your trip.

For specific schedule updates, the Moovit App provides directions for New World First Bus routes and offers helpful step-by-step navigation.

You can find all New World First Bus lines and schedules in the Moovit App, making it a one-stop-shop for your transportation needs.

To pay your fare on New World First Bus, you'll need to pay the exact amount in cash or using an Octopus Card.

Children and Senior Citizens pay a Concessionary Fare, which is half of the full fare.

You can access a rebate on some longer routes by paying less than the full fare.

To enjoy the rebate using an Octopus Card, you'll need to place your card on the reader twice during your journey, once when you board and once when you alight.

If you take route 15 from the Peak and alight at Wan Chai Gap, you'll pay $6.80 instead of the full fare of $9.20 with an Octopus Card.

Placing the sectional fare into the farebox is allowed, but this is at the discretion of the driver.

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New World First Bus offers a range of services and amenities to make your commute more comfortable and convenient.

Their buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected on the go. This is a great feature for business travelers or anyone who needs to stay productive during their commute.

Their buses also have ample legroom and comfortable seating, making long trips more bearable.

The resort offers a range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

The resort has a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and stationary bikes.

Guests can also take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub.

The resort provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, including in the rooms and public areas.

A business center is available for guests who need to stay connected or get some work done during their stay.

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Room service is available from 6am to 10pm, offering a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

The resort offers a variety of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.

The resort has a concierge service that can help guests plan their stay, including making restaurant reservations and booking activities.

Guests can also take advantage of the resort's laundry and dry cleaning services.

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On Rickshaw Sightseeing buses, a public address system has been installed to keep passengers informed about the next stop.

The PA system provides a brief introduction to notable sightseeing points, such as Causeway Bay, as the bus passes by.

All Rickshaw Sightseeing buses (VA51-VA55) are fitted with PA systems to enhance the passenger experience.

The New World First Bus company has a physical presence in Hong Kong, with its headquarter offices located at 8 Chuang Fu Road, Chai Wan.

You can find the company's contact information at this address if you need to reach out to them directly.

To stay up-to-date on your bus schedule, you can use the Moovit app as an New World First Bus tracker, which provides real-time locations and arrival times on an interactive transit map.

Contacting New World First Bus is a straightforward process. The headquarter offices of the New World First Bus are located at 8 Chuang Fu Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.

If you need to get in touch with them, you can visit their headquarter offices during business hours.

The Moovit app can be used as a New World First Bus tracker, providing real-time locations, arrival times, and live status of lines on an interactive transit map.

It allows you to navigate more efficiently across Hong Kong by using its New World First Bus tracker.

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NWFB has been expanding its services in Hong Kong since 1999, when it won the bid to operate bus routes in Tseung Kwan O.

In 2001, the company further expanded its services to Kowloon and the New Territories by winning the right to operate a group of routes in West Kowloon.

NWFB introduced the Octopus Interchange Scheme on several routes in 2001, offering more interchange concessions and restructuring the bus network to save resources.

The company retired its old buses from the former CMB in 2015, making it the second franchised bus company in Hong Kong to provide an all-low-floor service after Long Win Bus.

NWFB has undergone a change in ownership since 2020, with the new shareholder choosing to retain the company's name and branding for the time being.

NWFB expanded its services in Hong Kong by winning the bid for the Tseung Kwan O routes in 1999.

In 2001, NWFB won the right to operate a group of routes in West Kowloon, allowing it to provide services to Kowloon and the New Territories.

The company introduced the Octopus Interchange Scheme on several routes, offering more interchange concessions and restructuring the bus network to save resources.

This move led to the cancellation of some routes with low patronage, allowing NWFB to optimize its services.

By 2015, NWFB had retired all its old buses from the former CMB, making it the second franchised bus company in Hong Kong to provide an all-low-floor service after Long Win Bus.

NWFB has undergone a change in ownership since 2020, but has retained its name, including the words "新巴" and "New World", for the time being.

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In Hong Kong, there's a mix of transit operators vying for customers. MTR Corporation is a notable rival to other transit operators.

Some of the key players in this rivalry include MTR Corporation, Kowloon Motor Bus, and public light buses. These companies offer a range of services that cater to different needs.

Here are some of the main transit operators in Hong Kong:

These companies provide various services, including franchised and non-franchised bus services.