The Directorate of Public Works Services (DSOP) recently presented the project for the Eastern Line of the Light Rail Metro, which will have six underground stations and is expected to be tendered by the end of this year, with completion scheduled for 2028.
As the line is a sustainable, low-emission public transit system, the authorities should accelerate its implementation and plan for other lines, to create a convenient transportation network that also integrates buses, cabs, and pedestrian routes.
The Taipa Line, already in operation, entailed a large amount of the public budget for construction and preparation, yet it has come under criticism from residents. Since it opened in 2019, the daily number of passengers has been lower than expected, not serving its original purpose. The station planning of this line makes it difficult to incorporate commercial elements into it.
The authorities should learn from this experience during the construction of the East Line and other future projects, to offer larger commercial spaces and include different elements to help increase the revenue of the Light Rail and reduce the pressure on its operation.
According to information shared by DSOP, the population of the northeast area is around 144,000, with about 23,000 employees in the gaming and hospitality industry who need to cross the entire area to get to Cotai. About 40 percent of the households in this area do not own motor vehicles, in addition to the 100,000 population that is projected for Zone A of the New Urban Landfills.
Analyzing current data, it is estimated that the construction of the East Line will meet the demand for transportation between the Northeast, Zone A and Cotai during peak hours, also enabling other bus routes and relieving traffic congestion.
We should not ignore, however, that even if the project is implemented, this line will not be complete until 2028. In recent years, with the impact of the pandemic and adjustments in the gaming industry, the number of residents employed in casinos and other interconnected entertainment industries
have changed, and it is still uncertain whether we will have the same demand after the line is completed.
In terms of long term urban planning and development, this comprehensive system should consist of various transportation methods and pedestrian routes, with connections between them, so that residents can plan their routes.
The Light Rail Metro is an integral part of Macao’s transport infrastructure, integrating current public transport modes and creating a better mobility network.
Therefore, it is suggested that DSOP accelerate the implementation of various lines and conduct studies on the various network issues, including connecting the Light Rail to the current transportation system.
By offering a convenient service to residents, it will increase their usage rate. Only then can the East Line alleviate traffic problems in the city. With the construction of a line like this, which involves a huge amount of public money, it is important to ensure that it gets its due, without destabilizing the rest of the transportation network.
*Macau Assembly Member/Aliança de Povo de Instituição de Macau
