Smooth transition to HKeToll system at Hong Kong’s Cross-Harbour Tunnel, but ‘real test’ will come Monday, authorities say
- Hung Hom crossing is city’s busiest tunnel, handling 110,000 vehicles daily
- It is the fourth crossing to adopt new automatic payment system, aimed at easing congestion
“The progress of the project from last night to this morning was good. The opening of HKeToll from 5am was generally smooth, and road markings were improved after 6am,” Transport Department director Rosanna Law Shuk‑pui said on social media, referring to the new automatic payment system.
“Sunday morning had little traffic ... The rush hour tomorrow will be the real test. The authorities won’t let their guard down,” she added.
The Cross-Harbour Tunnel in Hung Hom is Hong Kong’s busiest crossing, handling 110,000 vehicles daily. It is the fourth tunnel under the HKeToll system, designed to ease long-standing traffic congestion in the city.
The Eastern Harbour Tunnel and Western Harbour Tunnel are set to adopt the new system next month.
The Tsing Sha Control Area, Shing Mun Tunnels and the Lion Rock Tunnel all implemented the automatic payment system in May.
At 5am on Sunday, HKeToll came into force at the crossing in Hung Hom, brought in also to reduce incidents of vehicles cutting lanes at its entrance.