Transport | Drivers fined MOP600 for improper use of exclusive bus lane

Private drivers that use the exclusive bus lane that connects Barra and Doca Lam Mau on weekdays will be penalized with fines starting from this week.
According to a statement released by the Transport Bureau (DSAT), only emergency vehicles and buses are permitted to use the lane during the periods from 7.30 a.m. until 9 a.m., and from 4.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Those who fail to follow the regulations will be fined MOP600.
Every weekend from May 7, the bus lane has been under trial periods and with effect from July 1, the usage policy has been extended to every day of the week. During these trials, the police did not issue tickets to the drivers.
Previously the police were issuing verbal warnings to drivers using this lane on weekdays, in addition to the issuing of tickets on weekends. Henceforth, fines will be issued to violators using the lane on any day.
On the exclusive bus lane’s first day, 250 unauthorized vehicles drove on the lane mistakenly, according to a report by Macao Daily News.
DSAT considers the operation to have been smooth and stable up to this point, and that the bus lane has contributed to the diversion of larger vehicles during rush hours. In addition, they report the lane has increased the efficiency of bus operations and also promoted safer driving practices.
DSAT reminds the public that, every day during bus-only hours, drivers can use Rua do Almirante Sérgio, Rua do Dr. Lourenço Pereira Marques and Avenida de Demetrio Cinatti as alternative routes.