19 November 2010
The development of the States of Jersey website, gov.je, has continued with the launch of an online event booking service.
Since last week, customers have been able to book tickets for events which are taking place at Fort Regent. The system allows customers to choose their seating and pay for their tickets as part of a completely secure online transaction.
This latest online service joins other tasks that have been available over the past year, including paying for parking tickets, accessing library services and booking driving tests. It is hoped that even more will be added in the future.
The new gov.je launched in February this year, with phase 1 of the upgrade focusing on making the website easier to navigate and understand. Phase 2 is now underway and this will see further development and enhancements to the site. When this phase is completed, customers will be able to access many more transactional services, such as filling in forms and paying bills.
Deputy Anne Dupré, Assistant Minister for Education Sport and Culture, said "I am delighted that it is now possible to book concerts online for Fort Regent, and look forward to the same facility being introduced at the Arts Centre and the Opera House as part of this project in the near future.
“Being able to purchase tickets from home will make it much easier and more convenient for local people who attend any of these venues and I am hopeful that it will encourage even more attendance at events put on in Jersey. This facility will also make it possible for visitors to book their tickets before coming to Jersey, making it more convenient for them and also enhancing their visit to Jersey.
“I am grateful to all those involved in making this possible and hope that users find the facility of benefit."
Neil Wells, Director of Information Services, said “I am very pleased that our programme of online services is supporting States Departments in delivering the information and services that people want. Over 20,000 people visit the jobs area of gov.je every month, and our current online services have also shown an increase in uptake since the launch of the new site, gov.je, at the start of the year. For example, the online parking tickets payments facility is now used to pay 30% of fines. I am sure that the online event booking facility will prove very successful too.
“The States website will continue to grow with the addition of even more online services in the future. We all know that moving transactional services online allows customers and citizens to carry out tasks quickly and efficiently, with minimum hassle. This not only makes customers’ lives easier, but also enables States departments to increase their efficiency and save money. In the current context of CSR pressure there is a clear opportunity and benefit in departments looking at providing their services online where appropriate.
“This online programme aligns with the intention to provide faster broadband access into the home. I understand that broadband in Jersey is set to receive a speed increase, with broadband speeds doubling for around a quarter of households from the end of this year. By 2012 more than half of households will be able to achieve between 15 and 20mb speeds. This will increase the desire and ability to do more and more online, and the providers of services will have to respond to that.”
Customers can currently book tickets for the Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Russian Christmas concert online by visiting the What's on at Fort Regent page.
What's on at Fort Regent
gov.je