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Transport Department announces today (Tuesday) the transitional arrangements for the prepaid tickets sold by the current franchisee, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited, in connection with the expiry of the current Cross-Harbour Tunnel franchise on August 31, 1999.

It has been agreed between the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited and the department that after the reversion of the tunnel to the Government, valid prepaid tickets of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT) issued by the current franchisee will continue to be accepted for payment of tolls until February 29, 2000.

Where appropriate, these tickets have to be topped up by cash to pay for the appropriate toll.

Speaking on the transitional arrangements, a spokesman for the department said : "The arrangement aims to facilitate a smooth transition and to minimise inconvenience to the public."

In addition, ticket holders can choose to get refund for their unused prepaid tickets from the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited. They can claim for the refund either by post or in person at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Administration Building, Hung Hom, Kowloon from July 15 this year to February 29, 2000.

Once verified, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited will send the refund by cheque to the address provided by the claimant.

For details of the refund arrangement, they should approach the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited at telephone 2333 4141.

Meanwhile, the prepaid tickets are still available for sale at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Administration Building until August 31, 1999. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited will refund the tickets remaining unused until February 29, 2000.

"The above refund arrangement," the spokesman added, "will not be applicable to tickets for vehicles of consulates and disabled drivers, which are exempted from passage tax."

Holders of such tickets can apply for refund at the department's licensing offices from July 15, 1999 to February 29, 2000. They can also call at 2804 2642 and 2771 4354 for enquiries.

The new prepaid tickets for the CHT will be available for sale at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Administration Building and at other sale outlets from mid-August 1999 onwards. These tickets can be used at the CHT from September 1, 1999.

End/Tuesday, July 13, 1999

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