Be patient and look forward to the MLRT

By Iris Lo

Since the beginning in 2003, the Macau Light Rail Transit (MLRT) system has been full of ups and downs, the opening to traffic has been delayed again and again, and the project budget keeps increasing. Although the Taipa line is almost ready, it seems that most citizens have lost confidence and are dissatisfied with the Macau Peninsula line conduction. The MLRT is facing no end in sight of problems.

 

MLRT's ups and down

 

MLRT is full of ups and down. According to the government report "The Five-Year Development Plan of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2016-2020)", the government pledged to work hard on the MLRT. On the other hand, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lo Lap Man reportedly stated recently, "I have confidence that the Taipa line of Light Rail will be opened to traffic in 2019."  According to Lo's speech, the Taipa line so far is almost  ready to be opened, however, officials always give hope to citizens, and then let them down. The light rail project still does not include the Macau Peninsula line.

 

There are many reasons to explain why the MLRT has kept postponing, the project was first started in 2003 and the original budget was 7.5 billion, however according to "MLRT-the fourth stage (September 2018)" report from The Commission of Audit, the budget may be over 500 billion and still not be capped. Furthermore, during the project kick-off period in 2011, because of the Gabinete para as Infra-estruturas de Transportes did not provide sufficient construction materials and designs in time, some parts of the project were "not able to finish". Therefore, many citizens doubt about how the money has been spent and complained about the long delay of the project.

 

When will the whole railway line begin service?

 

"I believe that the Taipa line of MLRT will begin service next year," said the current affairs commentator Leung Kai Yin, who is also a lecturer at Macao Polytechnic Institute. Leung provided an overview of the project development and thought that it is time for the government to prove they could improve social development. Leung believed there are various advantages when the light rail begins service in Macau, such as it could reduce the traffic pressure, encourage tourists to visit Macau and so on, however, the actual utility is ineffective, "because the light rail has a low passenger capacity, and is mainly beneficial for tourists," said Leung.

 

Furthermore, Leung continued "The Macau Peninsula Line development should not delay further." However, he said the government should consider carefully and have a comprehensive plan before starting the peninsula line. He suggested to build a passenger rail system with a high passenger capacity instead of the ineffective light rail, which should be nearby the seaside or connect to the Portas do Cerco and bring convenience to both citizens and tourists.

 

At present, citizens put in a lot of hope in the Taipa line service, but still have to wait for the Macau Peninsula Line to begin construction. When will the whole light rail be completed for service? No one knows. Be patient and look forward.

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