'First class' bus services about to start rolling

A "long-haul, first class bus service" will be launched by Kowloon Motor Bus on two routes running from New Territories West to Hong Kong Island. But fares will be higher for the more comfortable rides, with fewer stops.

Launching this Sunday are P960 from Siu Hong Station to Wan Chai and P968 from Yuen Long West to Tin Hau, charging HK$32.80 and HK$36.90 respectively.

And standing passengers will not be allowed - a first - as everyone is guaranteed a seat for hour-long journeys.

The buses will have 80 passenger seats, with 51 on the upper deck and 29 on the lower. All will have belts.

There are also curtains, USB charging ports and free Wi-Fi service.

The buses also roll with environmentally friendly engines, safety features, including a system that guards against drivers dozing, an advanced driver assistance system and a system to provide feedback.

Route P960 will take in 20 stops from Siu Hong station to Wan Chai North Bus Terminus from 6.45am to 3.45pm and 21 stops in the opposite direction from 10.45am to 12.45am.

It will head to Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay via Tuen Mun Road and the Western Harbour Crossing.

It will be "most convenient'' for working people, according to KMB. "It is also the first KMB route between Tuen Mun and Causeway Bay."

Traveling time on the existing route 960 is one hour and 43 minutes.

Route P968 will go directly from Yuen Long to Sheung Wan and on to Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Tin Hau using the Tai Lam Tunnel and the Western Harbour Crossing from 9.15am to 3.55pm, and in the opposite direction from 10.55am to 12.45am.

The route with some variations is also available from 6.50am to 8.30am, departing from Long Ping station bus terminus.

The HK$2 fare concession scheme and KMB's monthly pass cannot be used on the routes.