Student Travel Scheme (Academic year 2012 / 2013)

We are pleased to inform you that the MTR will continue to offer MTR concessionary fares to eligible full time day course students studying in any recognised institution in Hong Kong in the academic year 2012/2013.

• Students who do not already possess a Personalised Octopus cards (with name and photo printed on the card), have to apply for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status".
• The application fee of HK$90 is made up of a card deposit of HK$50; a non-refundable fee of HK$20 charged by MTR Corporation Limited for administering the MTR Student Travel Scheme; and a non-refundable service charge of HK$20 payable to Octopus Cards Limited.
• A special rebate of HK$20 will be offered to FIRST TIME APPLICANTS# for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status". The rebate will be given in the form of HK$20 usable value encoded on the processed card.

# Applicants who have not previously successfully applied for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status".

Eligibility

The applicant must be a student according to the following definitions:

"Student" means any person aged between 12 and 25 who is currently enrolled on a full-time day course offered by an acceptable institution in Hong Kong. (Students who have not yet reached 26 may apply as an applicant's age is determined by the date when the application is submitted.)

"Full-time day course" means a day-time course which normally requires the participant to attend an acceptable institution for not less than 20 hours of academic instruction each week for 30 weeks or more in an academic year.

"Acceptable institution" means :

• schools referred to in Section 2 of the Education Ordinance (Cap279);
• registered schools that fall under Section 3 of the Education Ordinance (Cap279);
• schools exempted from the Education Ordinance (Cap279) under sections 9(1)(a) and (b);
• the word school is defined in Section 3 of the Education Ordinance (Cap279);
• private schools offering non-formal curriculum registered under the Education Ordinance (Cap279) are not included;
• other schools as occasionally approved by the MTR Corporation.

Notes

• Primary Four or below students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2018;
• Primary Five students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2017;
• Primary Six students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2016;
• Form One students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2015;
• Form Two students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2014;
• Form Three students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2013;
• Form Four students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2015;
• Form Five students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2014;
• Form Six or above students will be given "Student Status" valid until 31 October 2013, renewable annually on application.
• Special school students will be given "Student Status" subject to the curriculum. For curriculum similar to the 'Class' listed above, the validity granted will be the same as the associated class, but will not be earlier than 31 October 2015 (whichever validity is longer). For other classes/curriculums, the expiry date is 31 October 2015.

Enjoying Concessionary fares when travelling on the MTR

The full adult fare must be paid by any student aged 12 or over when travelling on the MTR without carrying :

• a Personalised Octopus card with valid "Student Status", or
• a "Temporary Student Octopus card" with a receipt issued by the MTR showing their application for "Student Status" is being processed and a Student Identity Card (valid for the academic year 2012/2013)

Concessionary Single Journey Tickets are invalid for student aged 12 or over. Students may only use Personalised Octopus cards with "Student Status" if they wish to benefit from paying concessionary fares in the MTR (Airport Express, East Rail Line 1st class and Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau stations are not included).

The "Student Status" encoded on a Personalised Octopus card is valid for MTR travel only. Users of Personalised Octopus cards encoded with "Student Status" are reminded that if they are aged 12 or below and travelling on any non MTR transportation with this card, they are liable to the individual terms and conditions of the respective transport provider and may be charged full adult fare.

A special add-value amount of $10 is available at all MTR Customer Service Centres for students who have a Personalised Octopus card encoded with "Student Status".

Report lost Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status"

• If your card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to the Card Company by calling the Octopus Lost Card Hotline 2266 2266. You may ask for a replacement card to be issued.
• If you want to continue to enjoy concessionary fares while waiting for the replacement card, you must go to any MTR Customer Service Centre (except Airport Express stations, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse, Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay stations) to purchase a 'Temporary Student Octopus card' and obtain a temporary proof of "Student Status". Whenever travelling on the MTR with a 'Temporary Student Octopus card', the temporary proof of "Student Status" and a Student Identity Card (valid for the academic year 2012/2013) must also be carried, until the replacement Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" has been issued.

Temporary Student Octopus card

You can purchase a "Temporary Student Octopus card" for travel during the processing period. This temporary card can be returned / refunded when the new card is collected or the "Student Status" is activated / renewed. Any loss Temporary Student Octopus card will not be replaced.

Late application or student transfer

Students who transfer to another school, and who would like to submit a late application may obtain an application form from any MTR Customer Service Centre^ or the Student Travel Scheme Office in Admiralty, Tai Wai or Siu Hong stations, or download from this web page.

^ Except Airport Express stations, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse, Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay stations

Termination of studies / Change in Personal data

• If you cease to be a full-time day course student for whatever reason, your "Student Status" becomes invalid.
• If there is any change in your "Student Status" or your personal data, you must immediately inform the MTR through the MTR hotline.

MTR Hotline 2881 8888
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 pm (except on Public Holidays)

Application for Activation / Renewal of "Student Status" on a Personalised Octopus card - Individual Applications

Reminder:

Application fee

An administration fee of HK$20 is payable when you have your card updated. A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Form distribution

Obtain an application form [MTR Student Travel Scheme Application Form (Academic year 2012/2013) - Individual Application] from your school or any MTR Customer Service Centre^ or the Student Travel Scheme Office in Admiralty, Tai Wai or Siu Hong stations, or download from this web page.

Submission of application form

Submit the endorsed application form within 14 days to any MTR Customer Service Centre^.

If your Personalised Octopus card already has "Student Status", put your form into the designated collection box next to the Customer Service Centre^ (in use between 1 September and 14 October 2012).

If your Personalised Octopus card does not yet have "Student Status", go first to the Customer Service Centre^ where a receipt will be issued. You can present the receipt to buy a "Temporary Student Octopus card". Whenever you travel on the MTR with a "Temporary Student Octopus card", the receipt and your Student Identity Card (valid for academic year 2012/2013) must be carried.

To Activate / Renew the "Student Status" on your Personalised Octopus card

Please go in person to activate / renew your "Student Status" at any MTR Customer Service Centre^ according to the schedule listed below

An administration fee of HK$20 is payable on the date your card is successfully activated / renewed. A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Failure to update your card before 1 November 2012 will result in the full adult fare being deducted.

Application for Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" - Individual Applications

Reminder:

From September 2012, students who do not possess a Personalised Octopus card (with name and photo printed on the card) and who wish to enjoy MTR concessionary fares, must apply for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status".

Application fee

The application fee of HK$90 will apply for new Personalised Octopus cards with "Student Status". The HK$90 application fee is made up of a card deposit of HK$50; a non-refundable fee of HK$20 charged by MTR Corporation Limited for administering the MTR Student Travel Scheme; and a non-refundable service charge of HK$20 payable to Octopus Cards Limited.

FIRST TIME APPLICANTS# for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" will receive a rebate of the service charge paid to Octopus Cards Limited in the form of HK$20 usable value encoded on the processed card.

If your Personalised Octopus card is given back to the Card Company at any time, the Card Company is entitled to deduct HK$10 or such amount at its absolute discretion from the card deposit for the card cost.

# Applicants who have not previously successfully applied for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status"

Form distribution

Obtain an application form [MTR Student Travel Scheme Application Form (Academic year 2012/2013) - Individual Application] from your school or any MTR Customer Service Centre^ or the Student Travel Scheme Office in Admiralty, Tai Wai, or Siu Hong stations or download from this web page.

Submission of application form

Submit the endorsed application form with photo and application fee to any MTR Customer Service Centre^ within 14 days.

A receipt will be issued when you submit your application form. This receipt serves as temporary proof of your application for "Student Status". You can present the receipt to buy a "Temporary Student Octopus card". Whenever you are travelling on the MTR with "Temporary Student Octopus card", the receipt and your Student Identity Card (academic year 2012 / 2013) must be carried.

Card collection

Card Collection Arrangement

• If a parent of the applicant collects the Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" the parent should provide the receipt and a copy of the applicant's Identification [HKID Card or Passport or 2012 / 2013 Student Identity Card or Student handbook] along with his/her (the parent's) Identity Card or Passport for verification.
• If the applicant delegates collection of the Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" to any other person, the applicant should provide a letter of authorization showing his/her and the delegate's name with HKID Card or Passport number along with a copy of the applicant's identification [HKID Card or Passport or 2012 / 2013 Student Identity Card or Student handbook]. The delegate must also provide his/her HK Identity Card or Passport as shown in the authorization letter for verification.

FAQs - Application for MTR Student Travel Scheme (Academic Year 2012 / 2013)

1. Should I apply for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" if I'm 12 years old and hold a Personalised Octopus card with a photo?
   No. You are only required to provide your Personalised Octopus card number in item 2 of Part A of the application form, complete the information as required in the form, and return it to our Customer Service Centre^. Please note that you are required to apply for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" if there is no photo printed on your Personalised Octopus card.
2. What should I bring for activation/renewal of "Student Status" on my Personalised Octopus card?
   You should bring with your Personalised Octopus card according to the schedule in the application form to our Customer Service Centre^. An administration fee of HK$20 is payable for the activation / renewal.
3. Must the "Student Status" be renewed every year?
   When the validity of "Student Status" expires, the student should apply for renewal. Students may check the validity of their "Student Status" at our Customer Service Centre^.
4. Can the Personalised Octopus card I was issued when I studied in primary school be used for activating "Student Status"?
   It can be used for activating "Student Status" if it is printed with a photo. If you need to change your photo, please complete a Customer Service Request Form and return your Personalised Octopus card together with your photo to our Customer Service Centre^. Our staff will help you apply for the replacement card.
5. My son is under 12, but a Personalised Octopus card is required by the administration of his school. Is the MTR Student Travel Scheme Application Form fit for this purpose?
   No. He should complete the "Application for a Personalised Octopus card" available at our Customer Service Centre^ and return it to the Centre^. For more details, please call the Octopus Hotline at 2266 2222.
6. How can I buy a "Temporary Student Octopus card" if I lost my Official Receipt - Application for a Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status"?
   You should check the progress of your application through the MTR Hotline at 2881 8888. If your application has been approved, you can go to any MTR Customer Service Centre^ to purchase a ‘Temporary Student Octopus card' and obtain a temporary proof of "Student Status". The card will cost HK$70. Any loss Temporary Student Octopus card will not be replaced.
7. I got a new replacement card after I lost or damaged my Personalised Octopus card. But I have submitted the application form for applying for activation/renewal of "Student Status" on a Personalised Octopus card. What should I do?
   You may call the MTR Hotline at 2881 8888 if you have collected a new replacement card, we can update the record with your new card number and notify you to renew your "Student Status" at our Customer Service Centre^.
8. Why have I still not received my refund for the application fee of HK$90 after my application was rejected or withdrawn?
   You may call the MTR Hotline at 2881 8888 for enquiry.
9. Can I buy a concessionary single journey ticket to travel on MTR if I forget to bring or I lost my Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status"?
   No. You can only enjoy concessionary fares with your Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" or Temporary Student Octopus card (your valid Student Identity Card must be carried with you).
10. How can I get my new Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" if I lost my Official Receipt – Application for a Personalised Octopus card?
    You should call the MTR Hotline at 2881 8888. We can reissue an Official Receipt to you.
11. Why is the remaining value on my new Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" nil or HK$20 after I paid application fee of HK$90?
    The HK$90 application fee is made up of a card deposit of HK$50, a non-refundable fee of HK$20 charged by us for administrating the MTR Student Travel Scheme, and a non-refundable service charge of HK$20 payable to Octopus Cards Limited. First time applicants will receive a rebate of the service charge paid to Octopus Cards Limited in the form of HK$20 usable value encoded on their cards.
12. Can the "Student Status" be encoded on the Personalised Octopus card with no photo?
    No. Only the Personalised Octopus card with a photo can be used to apply for the MTR Student Travel Scheme.
13. I'm a repeater. Do I need to apply for "Student Status" again?
    If you are an eligible applicant of the MTR Student Travel Scheme and the validity of your Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" will expire on 31 October 2012, you need to apply to renew your "Student Status" for the academic year 2012/2013. The renewal must be completed on or before 31 October 2012. You may check the validity of your "Student Status" at our Customer Services Centre^.
14. What should I do if I transfer to another school after I submitted my application form?
    You should go to our Customer Service Centre^ to obtain the MTR Student Travel Scheme Application Form. After completing Part B of the form, submit the form to your new school for endorsement and return it to our Customer Service Centre^.
15. I want to use my Personalised Octopus card to apply for the activation/renewal of "Student Status" on my Personalised Octopus card after I have submitted the application for a new Personal Octopus card and paid the application fee of HK$90. How can I change my application type and obtain the refund?
    If your application has been processed by Octopus Cards Limited, the application fee of HK$90 cannot be refunded. Otherwise a refund can be arranged and your application may be changed from an application for new Personalised Octopus card with "Student Status" to an application for the activation/renewal of "Student Status". An administration fee of HK$20 is payable on the date your card is activated/renewed at our Customer Service Centre^.

Enquiry

MTR Hotline: 2881 8888
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm (except on Public Holidays)