HKeToll: smooth start on first working day for Hong Kong’s new automatic payment system, fewer motorists hesitating at closed booths
- No hiccups for morning rush hour traffic at Tsing Sha Control Area, which charges flat rate of HK$8
- Some 10 per cent of vehicles using crossing were detected without required payment tag as of Monday afternoon
Hong Kong’s new automatic toll system at the Tsing Sha Control Area got off to a smooth start on the first working day of operations on Monday morning, with fewer motorists seen hesitating before passing closed booths formerly used for collecting fees.
The Post joined a ride with Hong Kong Automobile Association president Ringo Lee Yiu-pui for the morning rush hour to observe the e-payment system for motorists on their way to work in Cheung Sha Wan and Kwai Tsing.
Traffic was smooth at 8.33am, with multiple signs before the tunnel linking Sha Tin and Tsing Yi, reminding drivers of the HKeToll system ahead and that there was no need to stop.
About 50 vehicles at the time were travelling in three lanes through the tunnel, the first to be equipped with the new system. The HKeToll platform will be applied to other similar government-run crossings by the end of the year.
“It is quite smooth for the first working day and you can see all the signs reminding drivers they don’t have to stop. It just takes time for them to adjust to a new habit,” Lee said. “As you can see, no drivers seem to be hesitating before passing the toll booths.”
The Tsing Sha Highway charges a flat rate of HK$8 (US$1).
The Post also took a bus ride on KMB route 249X running from Tsing Yi to Tai Wai at around 9.30am, observing smooth traffic with tunnel personnel on standby near the bus lane in case of any issues.