Source:
https://scmp.com/article/339671/transport-news-hits-web

Transport news hits the Web

Many public transport companies have their own Web sites which provide a wealth of information.

Mass Transit Railway

After the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system came into operation in 1979, it has earned a reputation for being one of the world's most successful underground networks.

The MTR site has two sections: customer and corporate.

The customer section is aimed at passengers and focuses on infotainment.

MTR Attractions in the customer section helps Internet users explore life in the dynamic city of Hong Kong. It contains a wealth of information on food, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and a route map. MTR Attractions is a good companion for your leisure time activities.

The MTR Club has also been set up to strengthen customer loyalty. The club provides members privileges and up-to-date news. People who possess valid Octopus cards are eligible for MTR Club membership. Benefits include discounts on concert tickets and on shopping.

The corporate section of the site targets members of the public, especially those who bought its shares, and contains mainly corporate and marketing material.

The information here is more serious and its design and content are more in line with the corporate image.

The site also offers a glimpse of the company's extension projects to Tseung Kwan O and at Quarry Bay. Its work to ease traffic congestion and environmental reports are featured.

Kowloon Motor Bus

Hong Kong's oldest bus company, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), makes use of the Internet to boost its corporate image.

The most interesting thing about the KMB site is not its information but its virtual communities - Friends of KMB and KMB Net Friends.

Friends of KMB was formed for passengers and model-bus collectors. It provides a place for them to chat and exchange ideas on the Internet.

KMB Net Friends was devel oped for Internet users to download wallpaper and screensavers.

At the KMB Wonderland section, Internet users can download e-cards, listen to KMB songs, play free interactive games and collect pictures of different makes of KMB buses such as the Daimler, Leyland, Dennis and Volvo.

The KMB radio section is under construction.

New World First Bus

Hong Kong's newest bus company, New World First Bus, is no slow coach on the Internet and has its own Web site too.

You will be impressed by its design and presentation because all information is provided at the 'First Bus Stop'.

Those who like collecting pictures of buses can click on the Photo Library. Around 20 pictures of the company's buses shot from a range of angles are available here.

The section also features the uniforms for customer service officers, bus captains, inspectors, technicians, regulators and mechanics.

The Route Information section has an interactive guide for passengers.

Information on the com pany's routes on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, Cross-Harbour Tunnel routes and sightseeing tours are provided.

The News Flash corner provides information about the company including news bulletins, new bus features, its bus fleet refurbishment programme and its work on environmental protection.

The homepage does not have a club for Internet users, but the 'Funland' section allows customers a chance to chat and get to know each other. At Funland, Internet browsers can send e- cards to their friends, play interactive games and download wallpaper and screensavers for their computers.

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry has used its site as a tool to publicise its long history.

Information on the company's historical development and schedule of ferry service are provided. It also has a souvenir corner which sells postcards and models of ferries.

Graphic: YPWWWGLO