Smooth transition as Tai Lam Tunnel cuts tolls and launches HKeToll

Hong Kong's Transport Department (TD) has successfully transitioned the control of Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) into government hands as of midnight Saturday, accompanied by the introduction of significantly reduced tolls and the new HKeToll contactless payment system.

The Commissioner for Transport, Angela Lee, managed the overnight transition by visiting the TLT control center to ensure that all final preparations were in place. She commended the tunnel operator, engineering teams, and government departments, including the Highways and Electrical and Mechanical Services Departments, for their coordinated efforts that ensured the tunnel reopened on schedule at 5am.

The transition was characterized as thorough, efficient, and smooth, with clear signage and prior drills aiding motorists in passing through without disruption.

With the government's takeover, there are major reductions in tolls, now 22 to 80 percent lower than previous rates. From Monday to Saturday, private cars are charged HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during normal hours, and HK$18 during off-peak hours. On Sundays and public holidays, a flat rate of HK$18 is applied. Motorcycles are charged 40 percent of the private car rates, which range from HK$7.2 to HK$18, while taxis have a fixed toll of HK$28. Goods vehicles and buses are charged a daily rate of HK$43.

Although initial traffic flows were smooth, the first significant test is anticipated on June 2, the first working day with the new time-varying tolls. Lee mentioned that drivers and transport operators might need some time to adjust but was confident that the changes would help alleviate congestion on alternative routes such as Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway.

She highlighted that the goal of reducing tolls and introducing HKeToll is to optimize the capacity of TLT, thereby improving travel and freight movement between New Territories West/North and urban areas.

Motorists are encouraged to check real-time tolls through tunnel displays or the TD’s HKeMobility app. The TD also recommended that drivers register for HKeToll tags and accounts if they have not done so already.