The Government maintains an open mind on options to enhance the distribution of cross-harbour traffic, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says. She urged the public and lawmakers to study the options in detail.

Speaking after a public function today, Dr Liao said the options aim to achieve a more balanced traffic distribution among the three road harbour crossings.

The 12 options can be categorised into three groups:

* toll-related measures - overall increase in Cross Harbour Tunnel tolls, peak hour surcharges, surcharge and rebate at tunnels, variable toll adjustment system, toll increase at Cross Harbour Crossings and toll reductions at Western & Eastern Harbour Crossings;  

* franchise-related measures - buying out the Western and Eastern tunnel franchises, selling the Cross Harbour Tunnel to the other franchisees, common ownership for the three tunnels, and extension of the other two franchises;

* other measures - building a fourth road harbour crossing or expanding the capacity of the Cross Harbour Tunnel or restricting its use, and enhancement of ferry services.

Dr Liao stressed the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and constraints of the proposed options will be explored in detail.

Transport Advisory Committee explores options

Meanwhile, the Transport Advisory Committee today discussed the options. Committee Chairperson Teresa Cheng noted it may be too early to come to any definite conclusion on what would be the best option as the whole issue is complicated.

"Nevertheless, we support the major principles that any measures to be taken should bring about the overall interest of the public, be fair to taxpayers and be effective in alleviating congestion," she added. 

"We also support that the Government should explore such options, and discuss them with the franchisees in greater detail. However, in negotiating with the franchisees, it is important to ensure a fair valuation of the Cross Harbour Tunnel as well as a toll-adjustment mechanism that is acceptable to all parties concerned."

Members noted the return toll charge for taxi passengers using the Eastern and Western tunnels will rise from $15 to $25, in line with the increase in the Eastern tunnel's toll for taxis. The new fare will take effect on July 1.