Explanation

 

One should understand the origin of a problem before it can be solved. The unevenly distributed traffic flow could be explained by two points:

 

• Connectivity

 

The three Harbour Crossings connect Hong Kong and Kowloon Peninsula at the following points:

• The WHC connects Sheung Wan with Jordan

• The CHT connects Wan Chai/Causeway Bay with Hung Hum

• The EHT connects Quarry Bay with Yau Tong

 

The CHT obviously has an advantage over the other two Harbour Crossings due to its central location and connectivity. Traffic through CHT can conveniently go west to CBD or go east to other location. The convenient location means shorter journey, lower fuel consumption and convenience.

 

• Divergence of Toll Charges

 

A more appealing reason to the undesirable traffic condition is the huge divergence in toll charges. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6: Toll Charges of different Vehicle Type

 

Among the 3 Harbour Crossings, WHC has the highest toll charges, CHT has highest toll charges. In fact, the order of daily throughput of the tunnels is the same as the toll charges. Although it cannot be deduced that toll charges is the only reason contribute to theaa uneven traffic distribution as there are other factors such as location and design capacity, it must be a large component in contributing the situation.

 

This huge divergence is believed to have certain relationship to its owner. Only CHT is owned by government and the other two crossings are actually owned by two separate companies. 

 

Problem

 

Background