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Western Harbour Crossing taxi toll approved by ExCo
The Governor in Council today (Tuesday) approved an additional fare of $40 to be paid by a taxi passenger for using the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC).
A Government spokesman said that the approved toll level which comprised the WHC tunnel toll ($30) plus the single return toll ($10) on either the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) or the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC), was considered most appropriate after taking into consideration various factors.
"Under current toll-charging arrangements, taxi passengers are charged a single toll for using land tunnels such as Lion Rock Tunnel for which there are alternative toll-free routes; they are charged twice the toll on the two cross harbour tunnels. A taxi toll of $40 for WHC is considered appropriate, given that alternative routes for the return journey are available through CHT or EHC."
According to surveys conducted by Transport Department and an independent organization, only about 10% of taxis currently using the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, and 14-15% if both the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Harbour Crossing are taken into account, are empty.
"More cross-harbour taxi stands will be provided near WHC entrances to help taxi drivers pick up cross harbour passengers."
The spokesman said the Government would conduct surveys after the opening of the WHC to ascertain changes in traffic flows through and near the three crossings, the utilisation rate of, and waiting times at, the cross-harbour taxi stands, and the proportion of empty taxis crossing the harbour.
"The toll-charging system will be re-examined if necessary," he added.
To give effect to this toll-charging arrangement, the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 1997 will be made.
The WHC will be opened to traffic in April 1997.
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