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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
purchase of tickets for some people, etc, can the Urban Council implement the following measures:
(a) install automatic ticket sales machines in the busy public areas, similar to the bank automatic teller machines;
(b) extend the telephone booking service for tickets, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 24 hours service round the clock;
(c) enhance the registration service for ticket purchasers, such as providing options for them to make payment by credit cards or direct debit from a designated bank;
(d) install a 24-hour service telephone hot-line, together with fax transmission service, to facilitate enquiries by the public about information on programmes presented by the Urban Council.
Mr. Suen Kai-cheong, Chairman of the Administration Select Committee, replied as follows (in Cantonese):—
(a) In the proposed aims for 1996/97, the Department has already committed to strive for the provision of automated self-service ticketing terminals at strategic locations. In this regard, the Department has already initiated discussion with the contractor, who provides the Council with the proprietary URBTIX software, on the provision of service. The contractor has confirmed that a pilot test on self-service machines would be launched in the early part of 1996. Subject to the successful conclusion of the pilot test, the provision of self-service ticketing terminals will be incorporated into the Information Kiosk project which is currently being examined and accorded priority by the Department.
(b) Since June 1984, the URBTIX hotline (2734 9009) with which Members are very familiar is being operated from 10 am to 8 pm daily on a 7-day-week basis throughout the year. Based on the current operational experience, the peak hours of this hotline service usually fall between 10 am-11 am and 4 pm-5pm. At present, the system is manually operated, therefore due to staffing resources, technical constraints and cost effectiveness, it is not feasible to extend its service hours round the clock for the time being. However, to cater to public need, the Department will keep a close watch on the user pattern and will regularly review the hotline's service hours.
(c) At present, Registered Patrons can already enjoy the convenience of buying tickets from URBTIX by placing a phone order through a special hotline (2734 9011). The tickets will be mailed to patrons directly and the relevant ticket charges will be debited to their credit card account registered with URBTIX. At present, the Department is exploring the feasibility of making payment through direct debit from a designated bank. This payment option will be introduced subject to the favourable outcome of the study.
(d) To facilitate public enquiries about information on URBTIX events, a 24-hour fax transmission service 'Infofax' is being actively tested in
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