Tourism in Golden Week boom puts public transit system to the test

The record number of visitors to Macau last week for National Day celebrations highlighted ongoing issues with the territory’s public transportation system. Bus operators recorded over 800,000 passenger trips on Oct. 3, a single-day high that led to frustration among locals dealing with long wait times.

Students reported missing buses due to full vehicles, while elderly passengers noted increasingly crowded conditions over the long weekend.

In response, the head of Macau’s Transport Consultative Committee called for action to better plan for large visitor numbers. Ip Wai Keong suggested studying carrying capacity data to coordinate bus routes more efficiently. He also urged the acceleration of the construction of the planned light rail system to boost options during peak times.

A review of the overall bus network was advocated as tourism and housing developments test the transportation limits.

However, implementing solutions to keep locals happily commuting amidst booming tourism will take time. For now, residents remain left frustrated navigating daily commutes among record holiday crowds.

Growing dissatisfaction is also emerging regarding Macau’s campaign to pedestrianize Rua da Felicidade. Several family-run businesses have seen declining foot traffic since closures to vehicles began.

While walk-in customers were initially brisk, others like herbal tea seller Miss Chan say foot traffic has sharply declined. She explains that this street relies on cars to bring people in, as parking and attractions are insufficient long-term without vehicles. Demands for a promised review of the project’s impacts are posted everywhere.

President of the Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern District, Lei Cheok Kuan says the project “failed” due to poor communication of goals. Responding to the situation, Deland Leong, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), says a traffic rethink is coming after this week’s holidays to “optimize” a scheme meant to aid, not hinder, local businesses and residents.

An investigation by The Times found significant shortcomings of Macau’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT) network. The LRT is effective for shorter trips within Taipa but struggles with connections to the Peninsula, where public bus routes are lengthy. Shuttle buses alleviate pressure on public transport and offer convenient, door-to-door service. Additionally, shuttle buses provide amenities like free Wi-Fi and mobile phone charging docks, which the LRT lacks.

Overall, while the LRT is quick for certain routes, shuttle buses provided by the gaming operators may be more practical for most travelers. Victoria Chan