by introducing a new Zone B of more than 1 km but not more than 3 km, and granting the students who live within this zone a subsidy of 50%. Previously, the estimated number of 210,000 students who lived within this area would not have qualified for any subsidy; and
by increasing the level of subsidy for the original Zone B (new Zone C) from $0.70 (39%) to 10.90 (50%).
5
The remaining zones C, D and E of the original proposal now become zones D, E and F but with the original rates of subsidy.
The present scheme
6
While the Working Group was examining ways to adjust the levels of subsidy, letters were sent to the Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. (KMB), the China Motor Bus Co. Ltd. (CMB) and the Hong Kong Tramways Ltd. (HKT), the three transport companies to which the existing scheme applies, requesting them to reconsider their positions with regard to the introduction of various methods of control, such as the introduction of a system of monthly pre-paid student passes, and built-in safeguards for the identification of the user. CMB confirmed its objections to a system of prepaid student passes while KMB indicated the many administrative problems such a system would entail but did not reject it outright. The HKT has yet to reply. Under the circumstances, it is considered that the scheme proposed in memorandum XCC(80)131 (Annex A) with the adjusted levels of subsidy as set out in paragraph 3 above is the best practicable.
Travel Subsidy for Recreational Activities
7
It was noted that at the meeting of this Council on 2nd December 1980, the point was raised concerning the subsidising of transport expenses for students on recreational activities, such as travel to Country Parks. Bearing in mind that it is considered desirable that young people should be encouraged to visit the countryside, but that public transport is generally already over-crowded at weekends and public holidays, it might be preferable to devise a system of grants to schools or youth associations, perhaps on a per capita basis, to enable such organisations to arrange outings at times convenient to them using the modes of transport of their own choice. It is recommended that such a scheme should be examined separately from the Student Travel Subsidy scheme in conjunction with the Commissioner for Recreation and Culture,
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Private notes are available after approval.