Gov’t proposes cutting Tai Lam Tunnel tolls by up to 69% after it takes over management next May
Hong Kong Free Press
The Hong Kong government has proposed implementing time-varying tolls for private cars using the Tai Lam Tunnel starting next May. The adjustment could slash the current fees by up to almost 70 per cent.
The new toll system, subject to the “patriots only” legislature’s scrutiny and approval, would take effect after the government takeover of the privately-operated tunnel on May 31, 2025, the authorities said on Wednesday.
At present, private cars and taxis using the tunnel connecting Ting Kau in Tsuen Wan and Pat Heung in Yuen Long are charged HK$58. According to the government proposal, private cars would pay HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during a normal time slot and HK$18 during non-peak hours on weekdays.
For Sundays and public holidays, the new fee was set at HK$18 for all time slots. Drivers would enjoy a reduction from 22 per cent to 69 per cent compared to the existing fees, the government said.
According to a government document submitted to the legislature on Wednesday, the morning peak time slot will begin at 7.15 am and end at 9.59 am. The evening peak hours will be between 5.15 pm and 7 pm.
The “normal” time slot refers to 9.59 am to 5.15 pm, while the off-peak time slots will be between 7.01 pm and 7.15 am.
Upon taking over Tai Lam Tunnel, the government will set up HKeToll, a free-flow toll service, and will set the new prices, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday. The changes aim to meet the public’s expectation of more affordable tolls, while meeting traffic management needs and supporting the operation of the transport trade, they said.
“The Tai Lam Tunnel is one of the major transportation and logistics routes between the New Territories West/North and urban areas, and hence maintaining its smooth traffic is highly crucial,” a government statement read.
The new fees were set out in the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024, approved by Chief Executive John Lee’s board of advisors at the Executive Council on Tuesday. The bill, which aimed to provide a legal basis for the management and operation of the Tai Lam Tunnel after the government takeover, will be submitted to the Legislative Council on December 11.
Under the new system, taxis would be charged an all-day uniform toll of HK$28. Commercial vehicles such as goods vehicles and buses would need to pay a flat fee of HK$43 throughout the day based on the “efficiency first principle.”
Motorcyclists, including those riding motor tricycles, would pay 40 per cent of the toll for private cars during the corresponding time slots.
The spokesperson added that the reduced tolls could improve traffic conditions by diverting traffic from Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway to the Tai Lam Tunnel. The adjustment would also appeal to commercial drivers, which is conducive to the development of the logistics industry, they said.
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