Reply #1 lefeu's post
That depends entirely on which route he took.
And although you probably did pay more than the cheapest route, it's probably correct.
Here's why:-
Yes you have to pay the tunnel fee, and you have to pay the return tunnel fee. But the question is which tunnel did he take?
If he took the Central Harbour Tunnel (which has 2 lanes and is always very congested) the fee is $20. Total surcharge $40 for the return trip.
If he took the West Harbour Tunnel (which has 3 lanes, and is understandably empty for the reason you're about to discover) the toll fee each way is $50. Total $100 for the return trip.
Can't tell from the $70 meter: that's probably about right for the distance, regardless of the route. However, if you were travelling via Central Harbour Tunnel at peak time you would have got stuck in heavy traffic for at least 15 minutes, and would have had to pay his idle time.
Most likely he made the call to go the faster route ... which he should have asked you ... but taxi drivers can be a bit shy of their level of English.
Did you keep the receipt? Is it for the full amount you paid? If so, and you went by the smaller and cheaper Central Harbour Tunnel, you can still complain to the authorities. I wouldn't expect a refund necessarily (and how much hassle do you want to go through for $100?) but at least it would give him a slapped wrist and keep Hong Kong honest.
For future reference:
Yes, there is a tunnel that connects directly between the Macau Ferry Terminal and Sheung Wan MTR.
And if you want to walk to Central MTR, there is an elevated walkway past IFC and Exchange Square, which would take you about 10 minutes at a gentle pace.
Or if your destination is the West side of TST, you can walk to Star Ferry in about the same time as to Central MTR.
[ Last edited by DArtagnan at 7-2-2013 13:28 ] | |
