Fairer fees at end of tunnel for Hong Kong motorists following shake-up
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So, it was an important moment when the last such tunnel was handed over to the government at the end of a 30-year franchise. Authorities must now manage the facility in an equitable 'user-pays' manner to ensure it supports rather than drains public finances as well as transport goals.
Toll booths at Tai Lam Tunnel were removed on May 31 and replaced by an electronic payment system. Motorists were immediately charged substantially lower fees to travel between Yuen Long and western Tsuen Wan in the New Territories.
As a result, there was a 40 per cent increase in traffic the following day compared with the previous week. On the first weekday morning since the change, traffic was up 10 per cent. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the government hoped the shift would encourage more use of the tunnel and ease congestion on Tuen Mun Road during peak hours.
Authorities also plan to review pricing at tunnels as the HKeToll system is implemented citywide. After a rocky start, the system has reportedly improved traffic in many parts of the city. Electronic payments were implemented for the city's three cross-harbour tunnels in late 2023. There were also fee adjustments to convince drivers to use less congested tunnels. Authorities say the changes have significantly reduced the length of traffic queues.
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Some tunnels have, meanwhile, been operating at a loss for years. One example is Shing Mun Tunnels, which racked up a HK$52 million deficit. The facility, together with Aberdeen Tunnel, has not increased its tolls for many years. Officials plan a comprehensive review this year to set more appropriate fee levels.
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