Hundreds of Hong Kong bus fans line the street to snap their favourite model retire from service
Fans and crew bid fond farewell to KMB's first super-low-floor double-decker
Hundreds of bus enthusiasts on Monday bade farewell to KMB's first super-low-floor bus - a model that set the world standard for wheelchair-friendly double-deckers.
The British-built vehicle was retired before reaching 18 years in service. Bus fans gathered at various locations along route 1A, on which the 12-metre Dennis Trident bus served with the fleet number ATR 1, to capture its final journey from Sau Mau Ping to the Star Ferry Pier.
The model was specially designed for Kowloon Motor Bus in the mid-1990s. Equipped with a wheelchair ramp, a "kneeling device" to lower its front axle further and a designated area for a wheelchair, the bus made access easier than ever.
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KMB and its subsidiary Long Win Bus still have more than 600 Trident buses with various different bodies and designs. But this bus, bearing the licence plate HJ 2127, held a special place in the hearts of bus crews, passengers and fans.
Driver Man Hong-fat, who was among the first crew members trained to drive this type of bus, said he would miss the vehicle and took a picture of it with his phone.
"I feel a little bit proud to drive this bus," said Man. "It was the first bus to be painted gold. I nicknamed it No1. It was also the pioneer bus to offer a larger driver jump-seat. I didn't feel tired when I worked on this bus."
The bus's many fans also held fond memories during its countdown to retirement.
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Some enthusiasts even spilled onto the main roads in Tsim Sha Tsui to get the best shots of the bus on Sunday - actions which were criticised by internet users.
It was parked at the Sau Mau Ping terminal for around half an hour, before Man drove the fully-loaded bus - most of the passengers being fans - to its destination in Tsim Sha Tsui for the last time.
Dozens of other fans missed out, though, and could only chase their target by taking other buses and following it along its route.
Among the lucky ones who got onboard was Paul Leung, who is in his 30s and queued up early before stepping aboard.
"I think it's destiny that I can make it," said Leung.
"I took a ride on the first day of the bus's service, so I come here to join this goodbye trip."
Fans will still be able to see the bus as a training vehicle and exhibit at KMB's major functions after the company decided to keep it permanently.
A replica scale model of the bus will also go on sale next month.
KMB is set to retire the remaining 500 or so non-low-floor buses by mid-2017.
