TNAG-0853-FCO40-1063-Transport-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 2

mainly to establishing a system whereby the companies will be reimbursed only for legitimate journeys actually incurred. Complica- tions arise because of difficulties in supervising the scheme on one- man-operated buses and, in the case of suburban and New Territories routes, reaching agreement on levels of reimbursement.

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In detail the scheme operates as follows:

Application for Student Passes

Each year, about two months before the commencement of a new academic year, the Education Department sends a list of approved schools, an approved school holiday list and a copy of the procedures governing the application of student passes to the three transport companies. The Transport companies then invite schools which require student passes to approach them for application forms: these forms are then distributed to students. Application forms completed by the applicants and countersigned by the school authority are returned with photographs to the transport companies, who then issue the passes provided that the applicants attend schools that appear in the approved school list. Amendments to this approved school list are sent to the three transport companies from time to time by the Education Department. A student pass should be returned to the transport company concerned if an applicant leaves school.

Use of Student Passes

Students on showing the passes on journeys to and from school are permitted to pay the appropriate child's fare.

Reimbursement to Transport Companies by Government The companies submit their monthly claims, certified by a Chartered/Certified Public Accountant, to the Commissioner for Transport as and when they are ready. The Commissioner sends a spare copy to the Director of Education for examination by his Audit Unit, to check that the number of passes issued by the transport company is the same as that reported to the Education Department, and report back to the Commissioner. If the claims are found in order, the Commissioner will authorise payment through the Treasury.

The usefulness and efficiency of the scheme have on several occasions been questioned by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, as well as by the Director of Audit.

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