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Over 5,000 items of smart card processing equipment will be installed. They include machines for loading and re-loading value to the smart cards, adaptation of automatic fare collection gates at stations and ferry piers, processors at LRT platforms, and fare collection equipment on buses. The development of the initial stock of smart cards is complete and delivery has commenced. The development of the hardware and software for data processing is in good progress. Subject to satisfactory performance testing, the system is expected to be open for public use by mid 1997.

Initially, the routes accepting smart cards will include all MTR lines, the KCR domestic line, the Light Rail Transit and its feeder buses, cross harbour routes provided by KMB and Citybus, and outlying islands and new town services provided by HYF. Creative Star Ltd is encouraging a number of other public transport operators to join the scheme.

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Conditions for using facilities at UGC-funded institutions

Following is a question by the Hon Henry Tang Ying-yen, and a reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council whether facilities such as libraries, research data banks and study rooms in government-funded tertiary institutions are currently made available for use by working people pursuing part-time studies, if so, what the opening hours of these facilities and their conditions of use are?

Reply:

Depending on the type of facilities and the demand for use, facilities in government-funded tertiary institutions are generally open to working people pursuing part-time studies in courses solely or jointly run by these institutions or their continuing and professional education or extra-mural departments with other local/overseas institutions. These government-funded tertiary institutions include the 7 University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, the 2 Technical Colleges of the Vocational Training Council and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Facilities in the UGC-funded institutions are also open to working people who are enrolled on courses provided by other local/overseas educational establishments or professional organisations.