Hong Kong government takeover of Tai Lam Tunnel expected to lower tolls

The first scenario retains the existing fixed toll structure at Tai Lam Tunnel, but the toll fees for private cars, taxis, and other commercial vehicles would be significantly reduced to HK$45 (US$5.8), representing a 22 per cent reduction for private cars and taxis, and a more substantial 30 per cent to 79 per cent decrease for commercial vehicles.

Motorcycles and motor tricycles would also be reduced to HK$22 from the current HK$28.

Authorities said this plan would likely increase the tunnel’s usage rate while maintaining smooth traffic.

“The purpose of this toll scenario is to respond to societal expectations for lower tunnel fees, while still achieving a relatively ideal traffic management outcome,” it said.

“This can also help alleviate the current traffic congestion on the Tsing Lung Bridge as well as the Tolo Highway.”

The second scenario would see fares further reduced to HK$17 for motorcycles and motor tricycles, and HK$35 across the board for other vehicles.

Authorities said this greater reduction would cause “excessive additional traffic, causing congestion at the Tai Lam Tunnel”.

Traffic volume would exceed capacity by about 5 per cent during peak hours, leading to a queue of vehicles potentially extending about 700m at the tunnel entrance, but this would not significantly help ease traffic from the Tsing Lung Bridge and Tolo Highway.

“Therefore, we believe that this level of toll or lower should not be adopted,” the paper said.

The third scenario would adopt a “time-of-day” pricing, which would see prices vary according to peak, regular and off-peak hours.

Motorcycles and motor tricycles would see their fares at HK$22 during peak hours, HK$17 for regular hours, and HK$10 during off-peak hours.

For private vehicles, it would be HK$45, HK$35 and HK$20 respectively.

Taxis would remain at HK$30 throughout the day, and commercial vehicles would also maintain a fixed toll of HK$45.

Authorities said the third option would respond to public expectations to lower the tunnel fees as much as possible while keeping traffic smooth.

“The overall traffic situation under this toll scenario is expected to be similar to the first scenario, but the overall tunnel toll revenue is expected to decrease,” the paper added.

The Tai Lam Tunnel has operated for 30 years since 1995 under a build-operate-transfer model by a consortium, with the franchise due to expire in May next year.