Govt proposes time-based charging for Tai Lam Tunnel
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will reclaim the franchise for the Tai Lam Tunnel in May next year. The Transport and Logistics Bureau has previously submitted documents proposing three scenarios for tunnel tolls. According to reports from Sing Tao Daily, the government is initially planning to adopt a "time-based charging" model and will lower the proposed tolls for certain categories.
Sources indicate that the authorities suggest changing the current tunnel fee of HK$58 for private cars to HK$45 during "peak hours," HK$30 during "normal hours," and HK$18 during "off-peak hours." The proposed fees for taxis and commercial vehicles are set at HK$28 and HK$43, respectively.
The relevant proposal is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for discussion next month.
Currently, the Tai Lam Tunnel charges fees based on vehicle type, with private cars and taxis charged at HK$58, motorcycles at HK$28, and commercial vehicles such as trucks, minibusses, and buses charged between HK$64 and HK$213.
Potential Decrease in Charges for Normal and Off-Peak Hours
According to the three proposed toll scenarios presented earlier by the Transport and Logistics Bureau at the LegCo, the "time-based charging" scenario suggested charging private cars HK$45 during "peak hours," HK$35 during "normal hours," and HK$20 during "off-peak hours." Motorcycles would be charged HK$22 during "peak hours," HK$17 during "normal hours," and HK$10 during "off-peak hours." Taxis and commercial vehicles would have uniform charges of HK$30 and HK$45, respectively. The authorities anticipate these proposals will help maintain smooth traffic flow through the Tai Lam Tunnel.
Reports indicate that the government has recently consulted some LegCo members about the future tolls for the Tai Lam Tunnel and is initially inclined to use the "time-based charging" model, but the related tolls will be adjusted. For example, the proposed charge for private cars during "normal hours" will be lowered by HK$5 to HK$30, and during "off-peak hours," it will decrease by HK$2 to HK$18, while the "peak hour" charge will remain at HK$45. For motorcycles, the proposed charges will be reduced to HK$18 during "peak hours," HK$12 during "normal hours," and HK$7.2 during "off-peak hours." The proposed fees for taxis and commercial vehicles will also see adjustments, with a reduction of HK$2, resulting in charges of HK$28 and HK$43, respectively.
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