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South China Morning Post
02-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong tunnel tolls under review after multimillion dollar losses
Hong Kong's transport authorities will complete a review of tunnel tolls this year to establish appropriate fee levels, following years of multimillion-dollar losses, including a HK$52 million (US$6.68 million) deficit at the Shing Mun Tunnels. Advertisement In a written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said that the review was necessary because some tunnels had operated at a loss for years without toll adjustments, some for as long as 34 years. 'For example, the Aberdeen Tunnel and the Shing Mun Tunnels encountered operating deficits of HK$16 million and HK$52 million in 2023-24 respectively. In fact, the toll levels for the two tunnels have not been adjusted for 34 years,' she said. 'As the specific circumstances of each government tunnel and trunk road are different, such as geographical location, the target users and traffic management needs, the government needs to weigh various principles in order to set an appropriate toll level.' According to government data, the Shing Mun Tunnels and Route 8K, which includes the Eagle's Nest and Sha Tin Heights Tunnels, have experienced increasing losses. Advertisement The Shing Mun Tunnels saw a deficit of HK$26 million in 2021-22, HK$37 million in 2022-23, and HK$52 million in 2023-24. Route 8K's losses escalated from HK$151 million in 2021-22 to HK$175 million in 2022-23 and HK$200 million in 2023-24. The government forecasts that the Shing Mun Tunnels and the Aberdeen Tunnel will continue to post losses of HK$52 million and HK$21 million, respectively, this financial year. For Route 8K, the operating expenses for the year will be determined after the tender results are available.
Morocco World
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Taxis, InDrive, E-Scooters, Highway Code: Morocco Revamps Transport Ahead of World Cup 2030
Rabat – The Moroccan government has endorsed a decree introducing adjustments to traffic fines and administrative procedures in the Highway Code. Under the new provisions, individuals who commit infractions can choose where to reclaim their driving license, vehicle registration certificate, or property title, either at their place of residence or where they pay the fine. Authorities now have the power to seize a vehicle's ownership title, in addition to a driving license or registration certificate, with a 30-day deadline for document recovery once the fine is settled. The decision, taken during the weekly government council meeting on Thursday, is in response to efforts to harmonize regulations with recent legislative changes. Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka presented the decree on behalf of Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. The measure revises aspects of Law No. 52.05, which governs road regulations, incorporating updates from Law No. 116.14. Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas explained that the amendments look to clarify procedures for handling traffic violations and streamline the retrieval of confiscated documents. The decree also brings legal references in line with the creation of the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). Mentions of the ministry in key articles of the Highway Code will be replaced with NARSA, further proving its role in road safety enforcement. During the same session, officials postponed discussions on another decree on maritime investigations into fishing vessel incidents. However, the government decided to allow more time to refine the text before moving ahead. Morocco is making efforts to improve road safety by updating regulations and simplifying procedures. The reforms express a commitment to less ambiguous rules and stronger enforcement to make the system more efficient for drivers and authorities as well. Ride-hailing apps vs taxis These reforms come amid broader challenges in Morocco's transport sector, particularly tensions between traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like inDrive. During a parliamentary session in January 2025, Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit acknowledged the urgent need to regulate ride-sharing apps. He even announced that the government is conducting a study to legalize these services in the near future. The minister admitted that ride-hailing apps operate in a legal gray area but recognized their growing presence. 'We cannot formally integrate ride-hailing cars yet, but we also cannot pretend they do not exist,' he stated. The ongoing discussions are looking to develop solutions that allow citizens to choose their preferred mode of transport while addressing concerns from traditional taxi operators. Taxi unions have strongly opposed these digital platforms, and even escalated, more than once, their efforts to curb their influence. Earlier this month, professional taxi unions petitioned Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to stop airing an inDrive advertisement on the public television channel 2M. They denounced it as a provocation since the application operates without proper licensing. The unions described the advertisement as 'a flagrant violation of national laws' and 'a serious threat to the taxi sector's interests.' Their appeal referenced multiple legal frameworks, including Royal Decree No. 1.63.260 and Interior Ministry Circular No. 19959, which mandates monitoring illegal transport activities. This latest confrontation adds to the ongoing heated struggle between Morocco's traditional taxi services and digital ride-hailing platforms. Electric scooters: new regulations on the horizon Discussions are not limited to taxis and ride-hailing apps. The rapid rise of electric scooters has also prompted regulatory changes. Electric scooters have become a common sight in Morocco's cities, but their unregulated use poses risks to riders and pedestrians alike. The Ministry of Transport is preparing to amend Law No. 52.05 to address safety concerns and reduce road accidents linked to these vehicles. Under the proposed law, individuals with a standard driving license (Class B) will need to complete additional training at a driving school before being allowed to operate an electric scooter. This measure may not sit well with thousands of riders who already use scooters for daily transport. Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2030 As Morocco prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the need for a well-functioning transport system has become more pressing now than ever. Large-scale sporting events attract millions of visitors and put significant pressure on infrastructure and mobility services. Authorities are working to ensure an ideal transport experience for locals and international guests in order to avoid congestion and logistical setbacks. From updating traffic laws to regulating emerging transport services, Morocco's efforts reflect a broader push to modernize regulations, improve road safety, and enhance efficiency. The upcoming tournament serves as a catalyst for authorities to refine these policies, invest in infrastructure, and streamline public and private transportation. Yet, with ongoing disputes over ride-sharing services, concerns over traditional taxis, and the speedy rise of alternative transport options, can Morocco strike the right balance between regulation, innovation, and accessibility before the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2030?
