The Light Rapid Transit (LRT) reached a new high in October, recording a daily average of 30,800 passengers.
The record slightly surpasses the one set in September (30,600), when the mass transport system hit a new paid-travel record.
The figure is progressively approaching the all-time record of 33,000, set when the system was inaugurated and trips were free of charge.
In operation since December 2019, the system recorded its all-time high in the first month (an average of 33,000 daily) during a trial period.
The 30,800 passengers per day recorded in October represent a month-on-month increase of just 0.65% and mark the fourth consecutive month of passenger growth.
When analyzed year-on-year, the figure is double the record set one year ago. Still, it is important to note that at that time last year, only the Taipa Line was in operation, compared with the current situation, which includes the Seac Pai Van extension line and, primarily, the Hengqin Line that links the LRT system to Hengqin Port.
Since the launch of the new lines, the LRT has more than doubled passenger numbers over five months this year, with three other months showing a year-on-year increase of over 70%.
Compared with the full-year results of 2024, this year’s passenger figure is around 75% higher.
The next major development of the transport system, elected by the government as a priority in the public transport network, is expected in 2029 with the completion of the East Line, which will connect the Taipa Line (at Pac On) to the Border Gate, passing through Zone A of the new landfills and also linking to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port.
Another expansion (Border Gate to Qingmao Port) has already been approved, although no concrete timeline exists for this extension.
As Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam has mentioned on several occasions this year, the plan is for Qingmao Port station to serve as the starting point of the West Line.
The government is currently studying the line, which is tentatively planned to connect Qingmao to the Fai Chi Kei area, then run along the Inner Harbour to A-Ma Temple (Barra Station).
Initially planned to be the second line built after the Taipa Line, this route has faced numerous challenges related to potential disruption during construction, technical difficulties, and the need to integrate it with flood prevention measures in the Inner Harbour area.
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