Ordinary Gweilo

Henry is moaning about the increases in the tolls for the Western Harbour Crossing, questioning the intelligence of this when the tunnel is already operating significantly below capacity. I agree that it sounds odd, but I suppose that they are hoping that drivers will carry on using the tunnel and pay the higher tolls rather than finding an alternative. Given that the Cross-Harbour Tunnel (Hung Hom to Causeway Bay) is already much cheaper it seems doubtful that a small increase will cause many drivers to switch, so maybe this is the right strategy.

The DAB organized a protest over the weekend – about twenty cars drove to the tunnel approaches and then turned round and went back. I suppose political parties feel the need to do things like this (especially with elections coming up), but it all seems a bit pointless. The tunnel is owned and operated by a private company, and the tolls are still below the figures approved by the government. I maintain my view that running a car is a luxury in Hong Kong, so I don’t have any sympathy for drivers on this one (especially as there are other tunnels available). If you can afford to run a car, you must be able to afford a few dollars extra each day in tunnel tolls.

If you want to be frugal, I recommend the Star Ferry. Lower Deck, of course.