New World First Bus Services Ltd. was established in 1998 taking over the China Motor Bus companies franchise on 1 September 1998 to provide bus services on Hong Kong Island together with Citybus.

In February 1999 to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, New World First Bus decorated Fleet No. 1088, an Alexander bodied Dennis Trident in red/orange, with patterns that symbolised luck and happiness. The bus carried the God of Wealth to all districts on Hong Kong Island, bringing best wishes to the community, and passengers were able to write their personal New Year messages on lucky gold ingots attached to the bus.