Explainer | Hong Kong’s cross-harbour tunnels toll fee debate is over finally, but will approved bill help ease congestion?
- The Post takes a closer look at approved toll fee adjustment and breaks down what you need to know about latest development
- In August, private cars crossing Western Harbour Tunnel will be charged HK$60, while those using the Eastern Harbour Tunnel and Cross-Harbour Tunnel will pay HK$30
The difference between the tolls charged at Hong Kong’s three cross-harbour tunnels will be narrowed from August 2 as scheduled, after the Legislative Council approved a government bill on charge adjustment.
The years-long debate on tunnel charges, considered part of the solution to the city’s long-standing congestion woes, concluded on Wednesday, ahead of the government taking over the western crossing’s operation on August 2.
The Post takes a closer look at the approved adjustment and breaks down what you need to know about the latest development.
1. What is the approved proposal?
The approved proposal came with a two-stage arrangement.
The first phase, nicknamed the “6-3-3” scheme, will apply to private cars and taxis.
Private cars crossing the Western Harbour Tunnel will be charged HK$60 (US$7), down from the current HK$75, while those going through the Eastern Harbour Tunnel and Cross-Harbour Tunnel will pay HK$30, up from HK$25 and HK$20, respectively.
Taxis will be charged a standardised fee of HK$25 at all three crossings.