KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot

Hidden within the industrial landscape of West Kowloon lies a vital hub that keeps Hong Kong’s buses rolling. This is the KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot. It’s a fascinating place with a rich history. The KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot isn’t just a parking lot for buses. It’s a hive of activity, responsible for maintaining around 1,000 buses. These buses serve the West Kowloon and South-West New Territories regions, crisscrossing the city on over 110 routes. The original KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot opened in 1965 on Po Lun Street. It took over maintenance duties from the Cheung Sha Wan Depot. KMB purchased the land in 1959 for 3 million dollars. The three-story depot housed a writing block and 32 maintenance lanes. The second and third floors provided parking for 200 buses. Over 1,000 buses and 2,000 drivers operated from this site. They covered routes spanning Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung, Sha Tin, and Hong Kong Island. In 1987, KMB rebuilt the northern part of the depot. This became their headquarters. It consolidated offices previously spread between Lai Chi Kok and the Tsuen Wan Depot. The new headquarters finally opened in January 1990. Before the permanent Sha Tin Depot opened in 1989, the Lai Chi Kok Depot managed bus services for Sha Tin. This was in addition to its existing responsibilities in West Kowloon and the southern New Territories. As the new millennium approached, the old depot was showing its age. It was no longer adequate for the demands of a modern bus service. KMB decided to build a new depot in West Kowloon. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot took place in September 2000. During construction, a tragic accident occurred in May 2001. A prefabricated concrete beam collapsed, resulting in one death and nine injuries. The new KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot finally opened in May 2002. The new KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a flowing line system for refueling and washing buses. It also boasts 64 maintenance pits and space to park hundreds of buses. The depot was renamed the KMB Lai Chi Kok Environmentally-friendly Bus Depot. This reflects its commitment to sustainability, with features like water recycling and energy-efficient lighting. The KMB Lai Chi Kok Depot stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s efficient public transport system. It is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ensuring that millions of people can travel across the city every day.