Citybus and NWFB launch retro bus exhibition ahead of new merger

Citybus and New World First Bus (NWFB) have partnered up to launch an exhibition to showcase retro buses and retired buses, aiming to commemorate the evolution of franchise buses in Hong Kong Island.

This comes as Bravo Transport, owner of the NWFB franchise and Citybus, Bravo Transport announced the merger of Citybus and NWFB franchise into the newly created Citybus (franchise for the urban and new territories Network) effective from 1 July. The franchise will last for a period of 10 years.

Available until 23 July at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, the “One Citybus” exhibition showcases retro buses, retired buses, as well as current fleet. Moreover, Citybus and New World First Bus have restored a Daimler Fleetline (珍寶巴士) for the exhibition which has served CMB and NWFB over the years. There are also photo-taking spots for visitors to capture their memories.

Don't miss: NWFB offers free bus rides upon merger of NWFB and Citybus franchises

Furthermore, NWFB rickshaw sightseeing bus (人力車觀光巴士) will operate a special route H1B at the Central Ferry Pier Bus Station (next to the Central Harbourfront Event Space). The route will deploy an open-top bus replicating the NWFB fleet when they took over buses from CMB, including the classic promotion banners, to commemorate NWFB’s 25 years of service to Hong Kong.

In terms of mediums of promotion, NWFB and Citybus have promoted the exhibition on Facebook, encouraging netizens to vote on their favourite style of bus bodies for the new merger from 9 to 18 June. The post has garnered over 300 likes and 28 comments. However, many netizens requested the new merger to keep the original colour and style of the existing buses under NWFB brand and Citybus brand. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to NWFB for more information.

Back in May, NWFB offered free bus services on the designated Route 25 upon the end of the NWFB franchise, to express its gratitude to its customers for their support over the past 25 years. During the "Free Ride Day", four buses with classic "wave" livery gathered and run on Route 25, providing customers a chance to reminisce about their fond memories with NWFB. The route number, 25, coincides with the 25 years of history of NWFB serving Hong Kong.

Photo credit: Facebook page @城市花園 仇栩欣 Jocelyn Chau

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