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on further information and data provided by the Department to see whether the above target can be achieved or not.
As regards the improvement of efficiency, we think that we can consider the following four areas:
(1) Increase the number of URBTIX outlets. This can be achieved by cooperating with commercial bodies, and also by linking the networks of SPORTIX and URBTIX together so that the public can purchase URBTIX tickets directly from other UC venues such as Indoor Games Hall.
(2) The opening hours of ticket counters can be shortened on the condition that normal operation is not affected. Some box offices open until 10.00 p.m., but according to my observation, very few people go to buy tickets from 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm in the evening. Hence, if the opening hours of box offices can be shortened and adjusted, our productivity can be increased.
(3) We can consider introducing computerized switching facility so that telephone services can be dealt with by URBTIX staff. Since there may be difficulties in the operation of the telephone service at present, we suggest that the Council can carry out a pilot scheme at venues with a larger number of ticketing machines, for example the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and review the situation after one year's trial.
(4) In the long run, the Council should consider introducing self-service terminals and also a computerised telephone enquiry and booking system. Besides, consideration should also be given to gradually extending the privatisation scale.
Mr. Chairman, we must set a target in order to achieve anything. If we do not plan for full recovery of cost and set a time-table for this purpose, but only make pointless and irrelevant fee adjustments instead, we will finally be detached from reality. We think that it would be irresponsible to do so. If we can formulate a fair and reasonable fee charging policy which is not in conflict with the Council's policy of subsidising cultural activities, it would be both an acceptable and consistent method then. With these remarks, I raise my motion and hope Members would support me. Thank you.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):---I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Albert Lai Wing-lin has registered to speak.
Mr. Albert Lai Wing-lin (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman. I support the motion in the context that the current cost recovery policy and operational efficiency of the URBTIX system should be reviewed. But I have some comments to make in relation to what the proposer said.
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on further information and data provided by the Department to see whether the above target can be achieved or not.
As regards the improvement of efficiency, we think that we can consider the following four areas:
(1) Increase the number of URBTIX outlets. This can be achieved by cooperating with commercial bodies, and also by linking the networks of SPORTIX and URBTIX together so that the public can purchase URBTIX tickets directly from other UC venues such as Indoor Games Hall.
(2) The opening hours of ticket counters can be shortened on the condition that normal operation is not affected. Some box offices open until 10.00 p.m., but according to my observation, very few people go to buy tickets from 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm in the evening. Hence, if the opening hours of box offices can be shortened and adjusted, our productivity can be increased.
(3) We can consider introducing computerized switching facility so that telephone services can be dealt with by URBTIX staff. Since there may be difficulties in the operation of the telephone service at present, we suggest that the Council can carry out a pilot scheme at venues with a larger number of ticketing machines, for example the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and review the situation after one year's trial. (4) In the long run, the Council should consider introducing self-service terminals and also a computerised telephone enquiry and booking system. Besides, consideration should also be given to gradually extending the privatisation scale.
Mr. Chairman, we must set a target in order to achieve anything. If we do not plan for full recovery of cost and set a time-table for this purpose, but only make pointless and irrelevant fee adjustments instead, we will finally be detached from reality. We think that it would be irresponsible to do so. If we can formulate a fair and reasonable fee charging policy which is not in conflict with the Council's policy of subsidising cultural activities, it would be both an acceptable and consistent method then. With these remarks, I raise my motion and hope Members would support me. Thank you.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):---I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Albert Lai Wing-lin has registered to speak.
Mr. Albert Lai Wing-lin (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman. I support the motion in the context that the current cost recovery policy and operational efficiency of the URBTIX system should be reviewed. But I have goɩ some comments to make in relation to what the proposer said.
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