Why has the KCR Corporation decided to install touch-screen telephones at all its stations from Hunghom to Lowu? These touch-screen telephones supplied by New World are an unnecessarily complicated and time-wasting way of making a simple phone call.
My own encounters with the phone installed at Kowloon Tong Station have been very frustrating.
On one occasion I wasted a number of $1 coins before the machine deigned to connect my number. There must be many other people who find it difficult to use these phones, especially the elderly, the visually impaired and those who are illiterate. Tourists are also likely to be confused by this unfamiliar technology.
I am not against technology per se, but this does rather appear to be technology for technology's sake.
If New World is to be allowed to continue operating these phones on KCRC premises, may I suggest that the corporation also extend the privilege to other companies such as Hongkong Telecom and Hutchison? I am sure they would be delighted to serve the public with more user-friendly telephones. I have noticed the MTRC is also trying out these touch-screen phones. I sincerely hope it will be a short-lived experiment.
YU YAN CHAN Kowloon
