Motorists may only have to pay between HK$18 (US$2.30) and HK$45 to use Hong Kong’s Tai Lam Tunnel, down from HK$58, after control is handed back to the government next year, the Post has learned.
A government source said on Monday that authorities were leaning towards implementing time-based tolls at the 3.8km tunnel in the northwestern New Territories, which would result in charges varying according to peak, regular and off-peak hours.
The insider said the government proposed to adjust the current HK$58 fixed tunnel fee for private cars to HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during regular hours, and HK$18 during off-peak hours.
Taxis and commercial vehicles would pay a flat rate throughout the day of HK$28 and HK$43, respectively.
“The proposal is expected to be submitted for Legislative Council review next month,” the insider said.
A consortium has operated the tunnel since 1995 under a build-operate-transfer model, with the franchise set to expire in May next year. It is a core part of Route 3 and connects Tsing Long Highway with the Ting Kau Bridge.
