Drivers favor Tai Lam Tunnel after toll cuts

Private car drivers said they will use the Tai Lam Tunnel more during weekends following significant toll reductions, as traffic flowed smoothly on the first workday after the government assumed control of the facility.

“I used to take Route Twisk to save money, but with tolls now just HK$18 on holidays, the tunnel becomes very attractive," said one motorist.

Taxi drivers also welcomed the changes, with one noting the flat HK$28 rate, down from HK$58, makes the tunnel a better option than the congested Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel for airport trips.

Some bus passengers reported minor delays of about three minutes but found the service acceptable.

The government has implemented a new toll plan on the tunnel, introducing HK$45 for peak hours, HK$30 during normal hours and HK$18 off-peak rates for private cars, which replaced the previous flat HK$58 fee.

Motorcycle tolls now range from HK$7.2 to HK$18, while commercial vehicles pay a flat HK$43.

Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, said the new rates should attract Yuen Long residents who previously avoided the tunnel due to high costs. 

"The shorter distance through Tai Lam Tunnel could offset toll expenses with fuel savings compared to using Tuen Mun Road," he explained.

Lee supported the Transport Department’s plan to review tolls after one year, suggesting adjustments based on the tunnel's traffic growth and corresponding reduction on Tuen Mun Road. 

"If Tai Lam's traffic increases over 20 percent, it would prove the new pricing successfully diverts vehicles," he said.

(Ayra Wang)