Ella Lei calls for midterm review of smart transport plan

Lawmaker Ella Lei is calling for a comprehensive review of progress under the city’s long-term transport blueprint, urging the government to step up the development and application of smart mobility solutions.

In a written interpellation, Lei noted that as Macau enters 2026, the “Macau Land Transport Master Plan (2021–2030)” has reached its midterm review stage. During the first phase of the plan, authorities have made “considerable efforts” to advance smart mobility, including the rollout of the Macau Travel mobile application.

However, she said the public expects the government to seize the opportunity presented by the midterm review to “fully examine the effectiveness of smart transport initiatives and optimize areas where shortcomings remain.”

In the inquiry, Lei also called for continued improvements in smart transport systems, payment methods, traffic signal coordination, and the construction of integrated data platforms.

She noted that the public parking meter system, which underwent changes in 2023, primarily focused on digitizing payments and upgrading to a “cashless” model. However, progress in replacing parking meters has stalled, and current machines only support card payments.

She added that some residents have also suggested introducing indoor car-finding systems in large public car parks, in addition to the gradual installation of parking guidance lights.

Meanwhile, regarding traffic management, the master plan sets targets to expand the use of adaptive traffic signals. By 2025, automatic and cloud-based signal coordination systems are expected to account for 50% of traffic lights.

The plan also envisions completing a vehicle aggregation alert system covering buses, taxis, and shuttle services for tourism facilities, as well as enhancing real-time traffic management tools and optimizing traffic signal control systems.

However, despite these goals, Lei noted that traffic police are still required to manually operate signals at certain busy intersections during peak hours.

She therefore asked how the government plans to broaden and optimize the use of adaptive traffic signals to gradually reduce reliance on manual control.

The lawmaker said that in light of rapid technological advancements, authorities should not only implement existing smart mobility measures but also explore new technologies.

She asked whether the government has studied developments in smart transport across the mainland and whether it plans to leverage the city’s traffic information and data platforms to enhance real-time traffic management, forecast road conditions, and provide drivers with route recommendations.