Light Rapid Transit to be deliberated at the AL

The Executive Council has finished discussion on the draft law on the Light Rapid Transit system, which will be delivered to the Legislative Assembly (AL) for deliberation.

The bill notes that the hijacking of trains, impeding operational safety, dangerous driving or handling, throwing objects at the trains, and other behaviors should be considered criminal matters.

The coordinator of the Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT), Ho Cheong Kei, highlighted that the bill proposes to apply between five to 15 years of imprisonment to whomever engages in train hijacking or train control without approval.

The Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system to be implemented in Macau will be automated and unmanned. It will be operated by the staff of the operation control center. If the staff of the operation control center fail to perform their duties, they may be sentenced to a maximum of one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to 120 days. 

Besides having regulated LRT operators’ obligations, the bill also proposes to prohibit some types of behavior among passengers.

The prohibitions include the possession of explosive, flammable, toxic, radioactive or corrosive items, installation of any obstacles or obstructions to the entrance gates of stations, trains, pay zones or exits.

The bill also lists 14 prohibited actions, including the unauthorized opening or obstructing the normal operation of the train, or the platform; the destruction of stations or trains; making stations or trains dirty; making noise next to other passengers or the public, and the use of audio equipment; improperly or temporarily obstructing passengers or the public at pay zones, entrances or exits.

According to Executive Council spokesperson Leong Heng Teng, the penalty for general illegal acts will range from MOP500 to MOP5,000, with the penalty for more serious illegal behaviors possibly reaching MOP10,000.

Previously, during the bill’s public consultation period, one of the drafts suggested penalizing the act of not giving up priority seats. The proposal stirred strong controversy among the residents. Ho later explained that the completed bill had deleted this specific article, with the government believing that it is more suitable to have the LRT operation company persuade passengers to give up priority seats to those in need.

The bill also proposes that the LRT operators must immediately notify the Transport Bureau (DSAT) regarding any accidents, and that a report should be delivered to DSAT within 72 hours.

The DSAT shall conduct investigations into accidents and the relevant reports shall be made public within one year from the date of the accident.

Regarding LRT fares, the bill proposes that fares should be determined by factors such as the balance of social and economic benefits and the fairness of the prices charged, the distance of each route, and the operating costs associated with each passenger.

“Fares are still being discussed,” said Ho, further stating that “the GIT will be dismissed gradually later after the LRT operation company is established.”

When asked which department will be responsible for the LRT’s construction in Macau section after the GIT is dismissed, Ho did not answer.