Multiple payment methods included in new street parking management tender

[Photo; Renato Marques]

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) launched a public tender yesterday for a concession to operate and manage street parking spaces.

The concession will be valid for seven years and is to be assigned to and operated by a single concessionaire.

The tender also states that the winning entity must provide multiple payment methods, a dedicated mobile application, and a corresponding system to enhance the management and smart development of metered parking spaces in Macau. This new system is expected to enable drivers to pay for and use metered parking services more conveniently.

Those interested in submitting proposals must deliver their application documents to the DSAT Public Relations Division on the 6th floor of the DSAT building by 5 p.m. on April 10 (Friday).

DSAT also noted in the tender documents that bidders must be companies based in Macau that operate parking management and facilities. Participation in the form of a consortium agreement is not permitted.

The tender requirements also include that the concessionaire must simultaneously provide various local and non-local electronic payment methods, including “Simple Pay,” credit cards, and electronic wallets, among others, and must acquire and install a vehicle detection sensor system in all metered parking spaces for light and heavy vehicles in Macau.

Additionally, the system must support consultation of metered parking space availability and enable remote payment through a dedicated mobile application and website.

The tender document also states that the concessionaire must fully bear the costs of acquiring and installing a new payment system to replace the current ones and “ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transition in the operation of existing metered parking spaces.”

Such features have long been called for by users, urban planners, and community advisors since May 1, 2023, when DSAT enforced changes to the operation of the street parking meters, which stopped accepting coins as a payment method.

At the time, members of the public called on the bureau to take the opportunity to overhaul and update the system, including adding different electronic payment methods and a better management system to allow users to be informed of where street parking spaces are available and to pay remotely to avoid incurring penalties due to payment delays.

The bids’ public opening will take place on April 13 (Monday), at 9:30 a.m., in the multipurpose room on the 5th floor, located at Estrada de D. Maria II, No. 33, Macau.

Subsequently, DSAT will proceed with the evaluation and award based on the value (price) proposed by the bidders, the implementation plan for the collection system and hardware and software equipment, the construction timeframe, additional projects for the operation of the public parking service, the staffing plan, and relevant experience in the activity.

The tender process, tender program, and documentation can be consulted on the DSAT website at http://www.dsat.gov.mo or in person at the DSAT Customer Service Area located at Estrada de D. Maria II.