The Transport Department today announced that approval has been given to the five major outlying island ferry routes to launch student monthly tickets from March 1.

The routes are Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo, Central - Peng Chau, Central - Yung Shue Wan and Central - Sok Kwu Wan.

The fares of the student monthly tickets of the five licensed ferry services are about 30% off those of the adult monthly tickets.

Such tickets are applicable to students aged between 12 and 25 who are currently enrolled in full-time day courses offered by recognised education institutions in Hong Kong.

Eligible students are required to submit their student identity to the relevant ferry operators before purchasing tickets.

The ferry operators will distribute the application forms and announce the details within this month.

Holders of the student monthly tickets can take a daily round trip of ordinary class on ordinary sailings of the Central - Cheung Chau or Central - Mui Wo routes, ordinary sailings of the Central - Peng Chau route or any sailings of the Central - Yung Shue Wan or Central - Sok Kwu Wan routes.

They can also choose to take deluxe class of ordinary sailings or fast ferry sailings after paying top-up fares.

Ferry operators were originally scheduled to provide the student monthly tickets from the commencement date of the new licence period on April 1.

They have advanced the launch of the fare concession by one month to alleviate the burden of public transport expenses on students.