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The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng, visited Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Points this morning (September 3) to learn more about the arrangements for cross-boundary students (CBS) attending schools in Hong Kong and the operation of nanny buses.
In view of a growing number of CBS, the Government has strengthened measures to facilitate the schooling of CBS in the new school year in accordance with the handling capacity of various boundary control points to ensure the safety and smooth clearance of CBS.
Mr Ng first inspected clearance services at the designated e-Channels and counters for CBS at the departure hall of the Lo Wu Control Point. CBS studying at kindergarten to Primary Three level in North District can apply for Closed Area Permits (CAPs) for access to Lo Wu Station Road. A replacement mechanism is in place this year. If CBS who are granted CAPs return their permits, other eligible students can submit applications for CAPs throughout the school year. Mr Ng reckoned the new arrangement can benefit more CBS in need.
Mr Ng then visited Lo Wu Control Point to understand the operation of nanny buses using the designated pick up/drop off area and stacking bays at Lo Wu Station Road. The Government has refined the arrangement this year by allowing nanny buses to access the closed area of Lo Wu Station Road in their allocated time slots so as to ensure safe and orderly use of the road.
Mr Ng then visited the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Public Transport Interchange (SL PTI) to inspect the operation of the cross-boundary students simplified clearance procedures at the departure hall and school coach services at SL PTI. The Government has introduced two more pick up/drop off points for school coaches at SL PTI this school year, increasing the number of pick up/drop off points for school coaches from five last year to seven this year. As a result, the number of school coach trips per hour at SL PTL has increased from 20 to 28, representing an increase of 40 per cent.
To further assist CBS in the new school year, the Government has enhanced clearance services by implementing cross-boundary students simplified clearance procedures at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang), Sha Tau Kok and Man Kam To Control Points. The number of special quotas for cross-boundary school coach services at various boundary control points has also increased from 65 last year to 110 this year. In addition, the on-board clearance services for cross-boundary school coaches currently provided at Sha Tau Kok and Man Kam To boundary control points will be extended to school coaches operating via Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang) in mid-September.
Mr Ng said the Education Bureau and relevant Government departments will continue to monitor closely the transportation and clearance needs of CBS and provide the necessary supporting measures to cater for their needs and ensure their safety.
On the day of the opening of the new school year, Mr Ng also visited Fanling Public School to understand more about students' life after inspecting the boundary control points. He also exchanged views with representatives of the school's Parent-Teacher Association.
Ends/Monday, September 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:13
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