LRT logs three accidents in Q1 as ridership doubles

The city’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT) experienced three operational incidents in the first four months of 2025, according to local media reports.

The first incident occurred on January 31 at 7:42 p.m. at Taipa Ferry Terminal Station, when a train experienced a control failure on Platform 2. Despite a failed reset attempt, the train was safely returned to the factory, and service resumed by 9:59 p.m.

The LRT company repaired the faulty control panel, and the Transportation Bureau mandated improvements to prevent a recurrence.

On March 14, between 6:30 a.m. and 10:21 a.m., a train broke down during pre-operation travel from MUST Station to Airport Station due to a converter failure. After unsuccessful reset attempts, the train was also returned to the factory for repairs.

The Transport Bureau required the company to enhance system recovery procedures to reduce service disruptions.

The third incident, on April 20 at 10:46 a.m., involved a power outage caused by unstable voltage in the Taipa District public power grid. This interrupted traction power on multiple sections of the Taipa Line, suspending service between Barra Station and Union Hospital Station. Power was restored at 12:53 p.m., and full service resumed by 1:11 p.m.

In May 2025, the LRT recorded an average daily ridership of approximately 24,700 passengers, compared to 11,800 passengers per day in May 2024 – a year-on-year increase of about 109.3%.

Last year, six accidents were recorded, with varying durations of service impact. NS