Eastern Harbour Crossing tolls for cars and taxis will rise $10 to $25 from May 1. Corresponding increases will also be implemented for other vehicles. However, the tunnel company has agreed to defer increases for empty taxis until July 1, and those for light buses to October 1.

To minimise congestion at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the Transport Department calls on motorists and commuters to make more use of public transport, and avoid peak hours as far as possible.

In 2002, the New Hong Kong Tunnel Company, franchisee of Eastern Harbour Crossing, applied for a toll increase. The Chief Executive-in-Council rejected the application. In August, 2003, the company sought an arbitration on the increase. The arbitrators' award was received in January. Arbitrators awarded a $10 increase.

The Environment, Transport & Works Bureau said although it is very disappointed by the arbitration outcome and extremely concerned about the toll increase, it respects the law and the arbitration result and noted the tunnel company has its own commercial considerations.

After the toll revision, taxi passengers using the tunnel for trips not beginning from a cross-harbour taxi stand should continue to pay $40 in addition to the meter fare, comprising $25 of tunnel toll and a fixed return toll surcharge of $15.

The bureau said it will consult the taxi trade, the Transport Advisory Committee and the Legislative Council on whether the return tunnel toll surcharge needs to be revised.