New shuttle routes from tourist spots to communities launched under upgraded plan

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

Building on its partnership with six integrated resort (IR) operators to offer free shuttle services into local communities, the government yesterday launched an upgraded initiative that adds multiple one-way routes from tourist hotspots like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Rua do Cunha directly into neighborhoods, with bus operators and drivers selected through industry collaboration.

As announced at yesterday’s press briefing, four additional one-way free shuttle services originating from key tourist hubs will be introduced from this Friday through January 3 next year, spanning the summer peak, National Day, Christmas and New Year holiday periods.

The routes connect the Border Gate to the Kun Iam Statue Waterfront Leisure Area and ZAPE; the Border Gate to Rua do Cunha and the Taipa Houses; the Ruins of St. Paul’s to the Patane Food Court and Fai Chi Kei; and the Ruins of St. Paul’s to Rotunda de Carlos da Maia and Iao Hon. Services will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, and on Saturdays and Sundays from September onwards, including public holidays.

The authorities confirmed that the upgraded initiative has been implemented without additional budget allocation, with all government entities drawing on existing resources and current promotional platforms for publicity efforts.

A Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) department chief, Lau Fung Chi, said: “The initiative operates through a collaborative model involving drivers and operational teams under tourism guidance, with the aim of attracting more diverse industry participation, and suitable bus operators will be selected through trade partnerships.”

“The budget is covered by existing community tourism and promotional resources, with no extra funding, and promotion will use current resources and established mechanisms,” she added.

The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) also clarified that the activity optimizes existing resort resources and that it would use its own promotional channels without additional resource input.

Notably, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has facilitated coordination among the six IR operators to align their community shuttle bus schedules with the new routes, generating synergies and prompting the resorts to collaborate with local neighborhood businesses in offering exclusive dining and retail discounts, thereby reinforcing the programme’s community-diversion objectives.

The authorities further reported that the first phase had delivered its expected outcomes, with cumulative ridership approaching 20,000 since the trial launch on April 25 through mid-July. They also announced an extension of the project’s operation until January 3, 2027, describing the “overall operation as smooth and orderly.” A Public Security Police officer also noted that the initial phase had not significantly affected urban traffic conditions.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has finally provided an update on the revitalization plan for Inner Harbour Piers No. 23 and No. 25 – one of the government’s six major historical district revitalization projects – announcing that Pier No. 25 is expected to open to the public for the first time in September, featuring a maritime history exhibition area and cultural tourism photo installations designed to showcase the sunset scenery.