Motorists to save $14 in fuel with new Central Kowloon Route as govt proposes tunnel toll hikes

Hong Kong drivers using the soon-to-open Central Kowloon Route could save approximately HK$14 in fuel per trip while cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes between Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Bay.

The significant efficiency gains come as the Transport and Logistics Bureau proposes toll adjustments across multiple tunnels to address fiscal sustainability concerns.

The government announced plans to raise fares at the 34-year-old Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnel from HK$5 to HK$8.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the increases are justified, citing unchanged tolls since 1990 despite rising operational costs: "Both tunnels have convenient alternative routes and surplus capacity. The new fees will maintain financial equilibrium."

For the Central Kowloon Route scheduled to open by year-end, officials recommended a HK$10 flat toll despite earlier expectations of free access.

The 8-kilometer artery – featuring 7km of tunnels requiring advanced ventilation and lighting systems – would dramatically improve cross-Kowloon connectivity.

"We anticipate near-capacity usage during peak hours upon opening," Chan projected, highlighting the route's 83 percent time reduction and fuel savings.

The proposals drew mixed reactions from lawmakers.

Lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king of the New People's Party acknowledged user-pay principles but noted "citizens expected free access based on earlier indications," urging periodic reviews if fiscal conditions improve.

DAB lawmaker Starry Lee, meanwhile, called the HK$10 toll charge "relatively expensive.”

In response, the transport chief defended the fee as necessary for "large-scale infrastructure comparable to cross-harbor tunnels."

Notably, the Central-Wan Chai Bypass remains toll-free after an assessment showed charges would worsen Gloucester Road congestion.

The bureau confirmed other government tunnels would retain current fares pending further evaluation.