XN000022-1996-12-04 — Page 29

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Toll for the Tsing Ma Link

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Wing-chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legisaltive Council this afternoon (Wednesday):

Question:

The Transport Advisory Committee's recommendation that taxi passengers using the Western Harbour Crossing need only pay a tunnel toll of $40, instead of $60, for the taxi's return journeys has aroused opposition from the taxi unions as well as the public's concern about similar recommendation being made for the Tsing Ma Bridge. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

Reply:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Mr President,

how the toll for taxis using the Tsing Ma Bridge will be determined; and whether different toll charging schemes will be adopted for taxis and other types of vehicles using the Tsing Ma Bridge;

whether, in the event that it is specified that taxis using the Tsing Ma: Bridge are required to pay a toll for the return journeys, the toll should be borne by passengers travelling to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok or by those travelling to the urban area; and

whether urban and New Territories taxis can both carry passengers to and from the new airport at Chek Lap Kok; if so, whether they will be charged the same toll for using the Tsing Ma Bridge?

Different types of vehicles will be charged different tolls for using the Lantau Link. In determining the toll levels, various factors such as the operating costs, an appropriate rate of return on the capital employed, and public acceptability will be taken into account.

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