BEIJING - A revised ticketing system for the Beijing Olympic got underway Monday, this time using a lottery scheme after a computer program overloaded and crashed six weeks ago trying to sell tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
The lottery system was also used to distribute about 1.5 million tickets during the first phase of ticket sales in April.
Applicants have until December 30 to enter the lottery, which can be done over the Internet or in person at Bank of China offices.
Lines were modest Monday at Bank of China offices, which are being used mainly by people who lack access to the Internet.
"I came here very early and that demonstrates my eagerness," said Beijing resident Song Wei, 60. "I know I can come later because it is a lottery policy, but I hope I can get some tickets successfully this time. I have failed to get any tickets the past two times."
More than 7 million tickets will be sold for the Beijing Olympics.
"The Beijing organizing committee has drawn lessons from the system crash last time," said Xu Chen, general manager of Olympic Affairs for the Bank of China. "Organizers adjusted the sales policy after the accident."
Under the initial lottery system, people could apply for up to 50 tickets. They will be limited to eight this time.
