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(iii)

25

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6 PCO posts have been created in August 1996 for "999" manning;

(iv)

reduction of the length of recorded message.

(e)

81% of SPCOs and 37% of PCOS have received training in Putonghua. All will receive training in handling Putonghua calls eventually. In the meantime, at least one Putonghua speaking officer, either SPCO or PCO, will be present at each RCCC at any given time.

Public transport smart card scheme

Following is a question by the Hon Howard Young and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of the recent developments regarding the participation of public transport operators in the smart card scheme?

Reply:

Mr President,

In 1994, tive public transport operators formed a company, Creative Star Limited, to develop a common contactless smart card system for use by the travelling public. Operators participating in the scheme are the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, Kowloon Motor Bus, Citybus and Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry.

The use of a common smart card for public transport necessitates the introduction of a new fare collection system for the transport operators. This includes the development and supply of a central computer system to process the daily transactions and act as a central clearing house, and the use of compatible computer systems by the individual operators.