The new vehicle is a much more comfortable passenger carrier based on a standard 29-seater Toyota Coaster Bus, and will be known as the Medium Bus. Modifications to the interior provide for more spacious seating of 18 officers and a generous storage compartment at the rear. Powered by a modern, fuel-efficient, diesel engine, the lower exhaust emissions meet stringent EURO IV standards that will help to reduce the Force's carbon footprint.

The first units being equipped with the new vehicle are PTU "Alpha" of NTS Region and "Foxtrot" and "Golf" training companies, to allow a full work-up to be achieved in both PTU training and operational environment. To date feedback has been very positive.

Officers' feedback

Station Sergeant (SSGT) Lau Chi-kwong added: "I like the spacious interior of the vehicle and the large front and side windows provide very good all-round visibility. Passenger comfort has much improved because of its quietness and good air-conditioning system."

SSGT Lau further commented on the ease and speed of adapting to the Toyota Coaster: "A few officers have reservations on a bus as the 'Trooper' replacement but now that we have used it for training and regional attachment, we are all convinced that this is a far superior vehicle."

PC Chau Kai-cheong said: "I like the seating arrangement of the Medium Bus. We used to store our brick boxes and turnout bags in the aisle in the old vehicle and now all can be placed inside the cargo area at the back. It makes our travelling much more agreeable and in my opinion a lot safer."

A total of 32 Medium Buses have already entered service and the Force plans that all PTU companies will have their "Troopers" replaced by the end of the year. Additional supporting projects are also underway to replace heavy brick boxes with lightweight versions, and to provide PTU Platoon Headquarter teams with upgraded vans.

No doubt older officers will remember the open lorries used by the Force for mobilisation of PTU manpower, and the major step forward provided by the "Troopers". The arrival of the Medium Bus once again highlights the commitment of the Force to support frontline officers through continuous improvement of essential equipment.

"Alpha" Company is one of the first units equipped with the new troop carriers