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Citybus (Hong Kong)
Encyclopedia
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
. It provides both franchised
and non-franchised bus
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
, cross-harbour
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
/New Territories
), Ocean Park
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
and Hong Kong Disneyland
) and Hong Kong International Airport
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and NWS Holdings
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
In 1979, Citybus began its operation in Hong Kong with one double deck bus (Volvo B55
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
in Hung Hom
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
of the United Kingdom
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
.
File:Citybus Leyland Olympian 10.4m.JPG|Citybus Leyland Olympian 10.4m
File:Citybus Volvo Olympian 10.4m.JPG|Citybus Volvo Olympian 10.4m
File:CTB Volvo Olympian 11m version 3.jpg|Citybus Volvo Olympian 11.3m
File:Ctb volvo olympian 12m.jpg|Citybus Volvo Olympian 12m
File:Citybus Dennis Dragon 10.3m.JPG|Citybus Dennis Dragon 10.3m
File:Ctb dennis dragon.JPG|Citybus Dennis Dragon 12m
File:Citybus Dennis Trident 10.6m DB.JPG|Citybus Dennis Trident 10.6m
File:Citybus Dennis Trident 12m DB.JPG|Citybus Dennis Trident 12m
File:CTB Dennis Envio 500 12m.jpg|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 12m (with Euro 4 engine)
File:Ctb enviro 500 euro 5 12m.JPG|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 12m (with Euro 5 engine)
File:CTB260.jpg|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 10.5m
Hong Kong Pride 2008 Organising Committee asks to rent an open top double-decker bus for the parade. However, Hong Kong Citybus refused to rent by base on concerns about its image. "This was a blatant act of discrimination, especially seeing the fact that this is a legal parade and the Hong Kong police have granted a permit," says Betty Grisoni, co-founder of a lesbian-rights organisation called Les Peches, which helped organise the parade.
A Citybus spokeswoman said on Dec. 11 that it would not discriminate against any party and that it was a commercial decision.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It provides both franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
and non-franchised bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
, cross-harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
routes (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
/New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
), Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong , commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has...
, North Lantau (Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
) and Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The non-franchised routes serve mainly City One Shatin. It also provides bus rental services and staff bus services for some large companies such as TVB and China Light and Power
China Light and Power
The CLP Group and its holding company, CLP Holdings Ltd , is a Hong Kong electric company that businesses in a number of Asian markets and Australia....
.
The company is wholly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
and NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings
NWS Holdings Limited is the conglomerate flagship of New World Development. It was established in 2002 when its predecessor, Pacific Ports Company Limited, acquired New World Services Limited from New World Development and the infrastructure assets from New World Infrastructure Limited.The company...
, which together also own the third largest operator, New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
From 1984 to 2001 the company offered a cross-border service (Hong Kong <> China) using mainly Leyland Olympian
Leyland Olympian
The Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
s, but this was discontinued due to stiff competition. However, from 2007, Citybus began route B3, which goes to Shenzhen's Bay Port.
The livery of Citybus's buses is yellow, red and blue.
History
Volvo Ailsa B55
The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
), providing shuttle service for the Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard
Hong Kong United Dockyard or simply United Dockyard is a dockyard in Shek Wan, on the Tsing Yi Island of Hong Kong. HUD was formed in 1973 from the merger of Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock and Taikoo Dockyard . It is jointed owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swire...
in Hung Hom
Hung Hom
Hung Hom is an area of Kowloon, in Hong Kong, administratively part of the Kowloon City District, with a portion west of the railway in the Yau Tsim Mong District. Hung Hom serves mainly residential purposes though is mixed with some industrial buildings in the north.-Geography:Hung Hom is located...
. It later expanded into operating a residential bus route between City One Shatin and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Kowloon Tong (MTR)
Kowloon Tong is a station on MTR's Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line in New Kowloon, Hong Kong.Kowloon Tong Station serves Kowloon Tong and its vicinity, including Yau Yat Tsuen, the Festival Walk shopping centre, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.This station...
.
In 1984, Citybus began a cross-boundary coach service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
. The following year, the company introduced its first air-conditioned double-deck coaches. Since then, it has continued to expand its fleet of air-conditioned buses. This was the start of the remarkable history of air-conditioned double-deck buses in Hong Kong.
In 1991, the Hong Kong Government awarded Citybus its first franchised
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
route 12A (Admiralty Tamar St <> Macdonnell Rd) on Hong Kong Island, which was originally operated by China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
and then withdrawn in the 1980s. It marked the arrival of Citybus as a franchised bus company serving Hong Kong Island routes. Also in 1991, several thousand miles away in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Citybus launched a new company called Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus
Capital Citybus was a major bus operator for London Buses in North and East London. The company was eventually sold to First in 1998. Capital Citybus is not to be confused with the other former London bus and coach operator Capital Logistics, for whom in 1999 it provided amongst others relief buses...
with an all-yellow livery for the routes in North and East London and a red and yellow livery for central London. This was sold to FirstGroup in 1998 and now trades as First Capital
First London
.First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. They did also run the Tramlink network, in a partnership with Tramtrack Croydon before June 2008. Their registered office is at Paddington station in London...
. In 1993, Citybus took over 28 franchised routes from China Motor Bus after winning a competitive tender. A further 14 franchised routes were awarded to the company in 1995 without tendering, with the fleet now expanded to more than 500 buses. During these years Citybus expanded its penetration of the Hong Kong Island market pushing nearly all CMB routes into low profitability. The areas of Hong Kong Island, especially Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, more and more CMB passengers chose Citybus rather than CMB.
In 1996, with the Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after two of the islands at its ends, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan . It has two decks and carries both road and rail...
coming into operation and commencement of settlement in the Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
new town, Citybus won another tender to operate 13 new franchised routes serving Tung Chung
Tung Chung
Tung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
and the new Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airport bus service, started in 1998, is called Cityflyer
Cityflyer
Cityflyer is a airport coach service provided by Citybus . The service was started during the opening of the Hong Kong Airport in 1998.-Fleet:...
which is part of Citybus and is solely used for Airport express routes to the city. The Cityflyer service consisted of a series of 4 routes: A11, A12, A21 and A22, with A10 being added to the mix in 2006. Citybus also operates various Overnight Airport routes and Airport Shuttle Routes.
In 1998, following the expiry of the franchise of the China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus
China Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
, a further 12 routes were transferred to Citybus. Citybus's fleet was up to 1,100 buses. The remaining routes of China Motor Bus were transferred to a new operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
.
Its business was expanded into mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
with a joint venture operation in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
through Citybus (China) Limited. It was not only Beijing's first joint venture bus operation, but it also marked the introduction of air-conditioned buses for the first time in the capital city. Following the success of this route, a second urban express coach route was introduced in Beijing. However, the services in Beijing were terminated shortly after the disposal of shares of Citybus (China) Limited from Citybus to Kingsman Global Limited, another Hong Kong company, in June 2004. Citybus had also once operated a route (route 658) in Tianjin
Tianjin
' is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government...
. The service is now operated by another company after Citybus disposed all its interest in Citybus (China) Limited.
In 1999, Citybus was acquired by Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 2001, Citybus discontinued the cross-boundary coach service between China and Hong Kong.
The company was acquired by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. is a diversified, Hong Kong-based company engaged in the property development, hotel, casino, transportation, jewelry, port and telecommunications businesses....
, the parent company of the major rival operator New World First Bus
New World First Bus
New World First Bus Services Limited , abbreviated as First Bus and "NWFB", is the third largest public bus operator in Hong Kong.NWFB was established in 1998, taking over China Motor Bus's franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus...
, in June 2003. And after a series of restructurings, Citybus is now a subsidiary of NWS Transport Services Limited, which is also the parent company of New World First Bus and New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry
New World First Ferry Services Limited is a ferry service company in Hong Kong. The company was established in November 1999, when it took over the 8 licensed ferry routes transferred from the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry...
. NWS Transport has since re-dominated the franchised bus services on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
.
File:Citybus Leyland Olympian 10.4m.JPG|Citybus Leyland Olympian 10.4m
File:Citybus Volvo Olympian 10.4m.JPG|Citybus Volvo Olympian 10.4m
File:CTB Volvo Olympian 11m version 3.jpg|Citybus Volvo Olympian 11.3m
File:Ctb volvo olympian 12m.jpg|Citybus Volvo Olympian 12m
File:Citybus Dennis Dragon 10.3m.JPG|Citybus Dennis Dragon 10.3m
File:Ctb dennis dragon.JPG|Citybus Dennis Dragon 12m
File:Citybus Dennis Trident 10.6m DB.JPG|Citybus Dennis Trident 10.6m
File:Citybus Dennis Trident 12m DB.JPG|Citybus Dennis Trident 12m
File:CTB Dennis Envio 500 12m.jpg|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 12m (with Euro 4 engine)
File:Ctb enviro 500 euro 5 12m.JPG|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 12m (with Euro 5 engine)
File:CTB260.jpg|Citybus Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 10.5m
Current
- AEC Routemaster (numbered 1-3)
- Alexander Dennis Enviro 400Alexander Dennis Enviro 400The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 is a 2-axle double-decker bus built by Alexander Dennis from late 2005. It is designed as the replacement of the Alexander ALX400 body....
(numbered 7000-7036) - Alexander Dennis Enviro 500Alexander Dennis Enviro 500The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 is a tri-axle double-decker bus built by Alexander Dennis in the United Kingdom...
(numbered 8100-8204) - Dennis DartDennis DartThe Dennis Dart is a rear-engined midibus built by Dennis in the United Kingdom. More than 11,000 were built during 18 years of production....
(numbered 1401-1436, 1481-1490, the latter are ex-China Motor Bus DC-class) - Dennis DragonDennis DragonThe Dennis Dragon is a 3-axle double decker bus built by Dennis of the United Kingdom in the 1980s and 1990s....
(numbered 702-740, 801-880) & Dennis Condor (numbered 20, 21) - Dennis Dragon trolleybus conversion (Kummler and Matter trolleys poles) (ex-fleet number 701)
- Dennis Trident 3Dennis Trident 3Dennis Trident 3 is the first low floor double-decker bus chassis built by Dennis in the United Kingdom, with a large number purchased by bus companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States and Canada.-Design:...
(numbered 2100-2161, 2200-2310, 2700) - Leyland OlympianLeyland OlympianThe Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
(numbered 7, 12, 14-19, 102-105, 106-204, 205-238, 301, 304, 306, 310, 312, 330-340, 341-395) - MAN 24.350 (numbered 2500)
- MAN NL262MAN NL262MAN NL262 is a low-floor single-decker bus made by MAN AG in 1990s. It was succeeded by the MAN NL263.- Citybus :Citybus is the launcher of this bus. 80 buses all in total .Two NL262 was written off by fire and traffic accident...
(numbered 1501-1580) - Scania K280UDScania K-seriesScania K-series is a series of bus with longitudinally, straight-up mounted Euro IV engine at the rear. For the 5- and 6-cylinder engines Scania is using exhaust gas recirculation system to fulfill the legal Euro IV emission standard...
(numbered 8900) - Scania K94UBScania K94The Scania K94 is a rear-engined bus built by Scania of Sweden.It could be built as a coach or intercity bus , but one example of the low-entry citybus version was produced in 2000.In Hong Kong, the K94UB has been fitted with a Volgren 12m double-deck bodywork and is currently in operation with...
(numbered 2800) - Volvo OlympianVolvo OlympianThe Volvo Olympian was a rear-engine double decker bus built by Volvo at Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It was first built in 1992 and entered production in March 1993, replacing the Leyland Olympian....
(numbered 315-316, 396-699, 901-999, 9000-9042) - Volvo B6LEVolvo B6The Volvo B6 is a midibus manufactured by Volvo between 1991 and 2000. Its low-floor variant, the Volvo B6LE, was first built in 1994.The Volvo B6/B6LE chassis was built to compete with the Dennis Dart/Dart SLF chassis. It could be fitted with Volvo TD63E/TD63ES engine...
(numbered 1332-1361) - Volvo B9TLVolvo B9TLThe Volvo B9TL is a low-floor double-decker bus built by Volvo Buses since 2002. It superseded the older Volvo B10TL and the Volvo B7TL.-Chassis:...
(numbered 7500)
Historical
- Bristol LodekkaBristol LodekkaThe Bristol Lodekka was a low-height double-decker bus built by Bristol Commercial Vehicles in England.Bristol manufactured over 5,200 Lodekkas from 1949 to 1968, as a standard double-deck vehicle for the UK state-owned bus sector. With all examples bodied by Eastern Coach Works in Lowestoft, they...
- Dennis Dart SLF
- Dennis DominatorDennis DominatorThe Dennis Dominator was Dennis's first rear-engined double-decker bus chassis, it was launched in 1977. Dennis had been absent from the bus manufacturing market since the last Lolines were produced in 1967. The Dominator was described as bespoke, with numerous options...
- Daimler/Leyland FleetlineDaimler FleetlineThe Daimler Fleetline is a rear-engined double-decker bus chassis built between 1960 and 1973 in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, and from 1973 until 1980 in Farington, Lancashire, England. However, the last complete vehicle did not enter service until 1983...
- Leyland AtlanteanLeyland AtlanteanThe Leyland Atlantean is a model of double-decker bus built by Leyland in the United Kingdom from 1958 to 1986....
- Leyland Victory Mk2Leyland Victory Mk2Leyland Victory Mk2 is a front-engine double-decker bus chassis that was built by Leyland between 1978 and 1981. Like its competitor Dennis Jubilant, Volvo Ailsa B55, it was specifically designed for contemporary operating environment in Hong Kong.The chassis was developed from the Guy Victory J,...
- Volvo Ailsa B55Volvo Ailsa B55The Volvo Ailsa B55 was a front-engined double-decker bus chassis built in Scotland by Ailsa, Volvo's British commercial vehicle agency. It was in production from 1973 to 1985, and was a relatively successful alternative to the ubiquitous rear-engined Bristol VR, Leyland Atlantean and...
- Volvo B6Volvo B6The Volvo B6 is a midibus manufactured by Volvo between 1991 and 2000. Its low-floor variant, the Volvo B6LE, was first built in 1994.The Volvo B6/B6LE chassis was built to compete with the Dennis Dart/Dart SLF chassis. It could be fitted with Volvo TD63E/TD63ES engine...
- Volvo B10MVolvo B10MThe Volvo B10M is a popular mid-engined bus and coach chassis built by Volvo between 1978 and 2001. It was built as the successor of the B58 and was equipped with a 9.6-litre horizontally-mounted Volvo THD100/THD101/THD102/THD103/THD104/DH10A diesel engine mounted under the floor, near the middle...
- Volvo B12T
Depots
- Siu Ho WanSiu Ho WanSiu Ho Wan is a bay on the north shore of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The bay is largely reclaimed for the bus depots. The Airport Express, Tung Chung Line of MTR and North Lantau Highway run across the reclamation of the bay...
- Sham Fung Road off North Lantau Expressway - Chai WanChai WanChai Wan , formerly mistakenly known as Sai Wan , lies at the east end of the urban area of Hong Kong Island next to Shau Kei Wan. The area is administratively part of the Eastern District, and is a mosaic of industrial and residential areas...
Depot / Head Office - at Shing Tai Road and Sheung Mau Street 2004
Controversy
Refuses to rent bus for the First Hong Kong Pride 2008Hong Kong Pride 2008 Organising Committee asks to rent an open top double-decker bus for the parade. However, Hong Kong Citybus refused to rent by base on concerns about its image. "This was a blatant act of discrimination, especially seeing the fact that this is a legal parade and the Hong Kong police have granted a permit," says Betty Grisoni, co-founder of a lesbian-rights organisation called Les Peches, which helped organise the parade.
A Citybus spokeswoman said on Dec. 11 that it would not discriminate against any party and that it was a commercial decision.
Competitors
Citybus's rivals include:- Kowloon Motor BusKowloon Motor BusThe Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited , a company of the Transport International Holdings Limited, is the largest franchised bus operators in Hong Kong, and one of the largest privately owned public bus operators in the world...
- MTR CorporationMTR CorporationMTR Corporation Limited is a company listed on the Hong Kong Exchange and included in the Hang Seng Index. MTR owns and runs the Hong Kong MTR metro system, and is also a major property developer and landlord in Hong Kong...
- operator of the MTRMTRMass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
railway - China Motor BusChina Motor BusChina Motor Bus Company Ltd. , often abbreviated as CMB, was the first motor bus company in Hong Kong, and was responsible for the introduction of double-decker buses to Hong Kong Island....
- company lost franchise to New World First Bus in 1998
See also
- Transportation in Hong Kong
- List of bus routes in Hong Kong
- List of Chinese companies