Lawmakers inquire gov’t on solutions to improve the Inner Harbor

Ella Lei

The state of the Inner Harbor regarding traffic, public transport service, and roadworks was debated yesterday at the Legislative Assembly (AL) at the initiative of separate inquiries from lawmakers Ella Lei and Leong Hong Sai.

The topic marked two consecutive days of Q&A sessions between lawmakers and government representatives, which are expected to be the last of this kind within this AL term, set to close next month.

Lei expressed concerns about planning expressways on the west side of Macau, which aim to optimize public transportation capacity and ease the work pressure on bus drivers.

She noted that in the first quarter of 2025, the average daily number of passengers transported on Macau buses reached a new record of 628,600 – an increase of 2.51% compared to last year.

Lei remarked that the increase in passenger numbers, combined with numerous roadworks and traffic in general, is causing public buses to move slowly and take longer to reach their destinations. It also makes it more difficult for locals to board the buses, particularly during public holidays and weekends.

Several lawmakers also noted that the topic is particularly relevant since the government is renegotiating the contracts for the new public bus concessions, as the current ones are due to expire this year.
Lei also urged the government to present the current status of several previously announced road expansion projects, such as the outer circular roads intended to improve traffic flow and reduce commuting time.

Raymond Tam

In response, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, said that the government is considering building such roads, but also claimed that traffic in the Inner Harbor should ease now that the installation of the pumping stations – identified as a major cause of traffic complications – has been completed.

“We believe the traffic flow will improve. We hope this matter has been solved for the upcoming Golden Week [of the China National Day],” he said.

As for the revision of the concession contracts for public buses, Tam added that the government is considering all factors, including changes to some routes, their distribution, and the ability of bus operators to deploy more vehicles and staff when necessary.

Leong Hon Sai

In his inquiry, lawmaker Leong Hong Sai also called on the government to address other transportation issues related to the Inner Harbor, including an alleged pedestrian flyover that would connect to the Wanzai side in Zhuhai.

In response, Tam clarified that such a project was never officially considered and that local authorities have never entered negotiations with the neighboring city regarding its construction, refuting the claim.

Leong also questioned the effectiveness of the pumping stations in preventing floods. Tam remarked that, as the city enters the rainy season, this period would provide a clearer understanding of the facilities’ performance.

“The rainy season will show us the effect of the pumping stations. Flooding will be significantly reduced if they function properly, particularly in the Praia do Manduco area,” Tam said.

In the ensuing debate, several lawmakers contributed, including Leong Sun Iok, who proposed that the government study the feasibility of constructing dedicated overpasses for public buses instead of relying on time-restricted special bus lanes. According to Leong, such infrastructure would significantly ease congestion and cost far less than the proposed Light Rapid Transit (LRT) West Line.

AL president calls for improvements

In a rare move, the president of the AL, Kou Hoi In, also took part in the discussion, questioning the government about the broader development of public transport in Macau.
Kou noted that building Macau into a World Center of Tourism and Leisure requires solving the persistent issue of inadequate public transport and long commuting times.

In response, Tam said the government is following its development plan but needs more time before the results become visible.

“We are moving forward toward the goal. We are working, but we need time. This [adjustment of the transport network] needs a global plan,” the Secretary said, citing ongoing efforts like interlinking buildings in the Lam Mau docks area and connecting Seac Pai Van housing with a pedestrian flyover.

Tam also stated that the LRT East Line construction is expected to expand into the West Line, which will pass through the Inner Harbor area. He emphasized that even completing the East Line will bring significant changes.

“By 2028, we will complete the works, and by 2029, the East Line will begin operations. People arriving at the Border Gate will be able to take the LRT, which will relieve much of the traffic pressure. I am also in a rush, just like you. But we need to deliver real, timely results,” he said, adding, “We can’t just pass a bad check. We need to plan well, execute effectively, and adjust when needed.”

He also said that a study on the LRT South Line (Peninsula) is underway and that, upon completion of the feasibility study, the government will launch a public consultation to gather input from the community.

Changing bus routes causes trouble

Prompted by lawmakers to revise existing bus routes, Tam remarked that “changing the current bus itinerary causes trouble.” He acknowledged that authorities are aware of overlapping routes but argued that altering many of them would “limit people’s options.”

He noted that the current overlap allows for better passenger distribution across buses, reduces wait times at stops, and prevents overcrowding.

When asked to consider lowering LRT fares to attract more riders, Tam responded that a comprehensive study is required. He suggested that the LRT fare is already appropriate, and it may be bus fares that need to be adjusted upward to match it.

Number of roadworks is decreasing

Lawmakers also raised concerns about the number and frequency of roadworks. Tam responded that these are actually decreasing year over year.
He cited statistics showing that the number of coordinated roadwork projects involving multiple government entities has increased from 20% to 40%, thereby reducing the number of overall interventions.

“We need time to see the results. This is the work of the roadworks coordination group, which was only created about six months ago. We’ll have an evaluation soon, but time is needed to show progress,” he concluded.