Bureau offers 12 options ahead of toll rise at eastern crossing
Improving ferry services is among 12 options proposed by the government to ease traffic in the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and increase patronage of the other two more expensive tunnels.
In an apparent reversion to the 1960s when car-carrying ferries were the main cross-harbour mode for motorists, transport officials submitted the unusual idea ahead of the May 1 toll increase at the Eastern Harbour Tunnel.
Other proposals for the Causeway Bay tunnel include raising the tolls; imposing a 'congestion charge' during traffic jams and a peak-hour surcharge during rush hours; and offering a rebate, or a discount coupon, for central tunnel motorists to use at the other two tunnels.
Another option is to restrict certain types of vehicles. One example cited in the paper is to allow cars with odd and even number plates to use the tunnel on alternate days.
The 12 options to ease congestion are listed in a paper prepared by the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau at the request of lawmakers.