Why Hong Kong should bear with Western Harbour Tunnel tolls until 2023
For the Hong Kong government to take over the Western tunnel is not an option. As the tunnel is a private asset, the government has no statutory power to force the company to sell.
Your editorial suggested “subsidising the use of the Western Harbour Tunnel and raising the tolls at the other two cross-harbour tunnels”. At first, I was inclined to support this, thinking it would be an effective way to reduce traffic congestion in the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and increase the utilisation of the Western one, save time and fuel, and reduce air pollution.
The Western Harbour Tunnel Company invested a lot in building the tunnel, and this supported infrastructure development in Hong Kong. The company made its contribution, it seemed reasonable that they be rewarded. As they keep reiterating that usage is short of expectations, I thought it was reasonable for the government to help it.
