DSAT clarifies schedules displayed at LRT stations following accusations
Schedules are displayed at all Light Rapid Transit (LRT) stations and platforms for passengers’ information, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) said in reply to lawmaker Ron Lam’s inquiry.
In his inquiry dated May 13 and received by the Office of the Chief Executive on May 27, Lam criticized the mass transport system for lacking accurate information on train departure and arrival times. Instead, its operator – MTR Corp – only posted that trains depart every 10 to 15 minutes.
This mode of announcement has been frustrating to passengers, Lam pointed out, as they could not catch the right train even if they found the system convenient.
Lam said that the lack of a precise timetable had discouraged members of the public to use the system.
He added that precise timetables are available in other similar systems in neighboring regions. Furthermore, other systems also added trains during peak hours to cope with additional demand.
He also criticized the closed payment system on the LRT gates, querying why, prior to May 24 , passengers could only use a LRT stored-value card or single-journey token to enter and exit the gates. The card or the coin can be purchased at in-station service counters.
Now, passengers can also use their Macau Pass cards to do so.
In response, DSAT pointed out that Macau Pass had always been accepted at in-station service counters for the purchase of the LRT stored-value card or single-journey coin. It added that according to the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), Simple Pay had been introduced to the LRT system, meaning that all eight mobile payment systems are now accepted at in-station service counters.
Moreover, passengers taking rides with their Macau Pass card will enjoy privileges according to their card types.
DSAT recapped Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosário’s comment that no interchange fare privileges would be available between LRT and public bus services. Rosário cited the sensitivity of public-private collaboration as a justification, completely omitting the fact that the government is now subsidizing the city’s bus services.
In his last question, the lawmaker also expressed his disappointment in the government’s weak supervision on the LRT’s investment, operations and costs. He demanded clear budgeting, usage analysis and financial plans on the East Line of LRT.
On this, DSAT cited the Commission of Audit for revealing that national practices were acquired in 2011. Phase-based auditing practices have been introduced since then for major construction projects.
