The Macau government plans to launch another feasibility study this year on the construction of a light-rail system.

Macau's Secretary for Public Works and Transport, Ao Man-long, told the Legislative Assembly the study would coincide with a public consultation exercise to gauge people's views on the development of Macau's public transport system.

The feasibility study and public consultation were expected to be completed early next year.

Macao solicits public opinions on light rail building

Entrusted by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, the Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR) said here Friday that it will conduct a public opinion survey on the building of an urban rail system in Macao.

Robin Wong, civil engineering manager of MTR said at a press conference here that technicians from the company carried out a field study in the first half year to collect data for an intensive research on building the light rail network.

The next step will be the consultation on the route, transportation mode and station building of the system, said Wong.

The company will send survey sheets to randomly selected local residents, students, tourists as well as to the transportation department, associations with the gaming and hotel industries and environmental specialists.

The Macao SAR government has brought the study of the urban light rail project into its work agenda this year. Secretary for Public Works and Transport Ao Man Long said earlier this year that the public consultation exercise should gauge citizens' views on the future development of Macao's public transportation system.

The possibility of building a light rail system to improve public transport condition was first brought forward in the 1980s.Entrusted by the Macao SAR government, MTR turned out an in-depth feasibility proposal on the project building last year.

Wong said that the company would take the result of the consultation into consideration to further improve the feasibility report in details. The result will be published for the second round of public consultation before it is handed over to the authorities next year.

According to the previous proposal, the light rail project is estimated at a cost of 2.7 billion patacas (338 million US dollars). It will address the demand of bustling traffic in Macao in 2006 by taking up a daily passenger handling of 43,000 with 90 percent of the passengers tourists.

With the present land coverage measured at just 26.8 square kilometers, Macao has a population of 450,000, which makes it a city of the world's highest population and vehicle density. Meanwhile, the small town hosted a record number of 11.88 million visitors in 2003. The light rail network is expected to expedite the traffic by linking up the Macao Peninsula with its Taipa and Coloane islands and hooking the city with the transportation network in south China's Guangdong Province.

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has mapped out an initial plan to build its first light rail line connecting the city's major ports and tourism spots, according to an exclusive report of Monday's Macao Daily News.

The line will run through Macao's third cross-sea bridge scheduled to open in early 2005 between the western parts of Macao Peninsular and Taipa Island.

And it will start at the Hong Kong-Macao Terminal and end at the Macao International Airport, passing by the famous Lisboa Hotel, the Macao Tower and the Lotus Bridge that links Macao with the neighboring city of Zhuhai, the report said.

The move is to address the demand of social and economic development in the future and bustling traffic expected at a time when Macao hosts the 2005 East Asian Games, the paper quoted government sources as saying.

It is also part of a cross-border fast rail line, tipped to join the rail network in the neighboring Guangdong Province.

Another source said that the Guangdong provincial government has already decided to build a rail line between Guangzhou and Zhuhai, linking major cities and towns on the western side of the Pearl River.

In Macao, those opposing the light rail project said on the cost side, the line entails massive investment and will levy a heavy fiscal burden on the SAR government, and it may become a luxuriant means of transport due to shortage of travelers and high fees. Instead, they called for greater efforts for urban renewal and improvement of the existing bus routes.

The Macao Daily News said the SAR government is resorting to various measures to lure investment for the project.

The proposed route for the first phase of the project, subject to approval, will begin at the Macau Maritime Terminal (for TurboCat services to Hong Kong and the mainland), then going to NAPE (for the Macau Cultural Centre, Macao Science Center and the future hotel and casino complex built by the American company Galaxy), Hotel Lisboa, Macau Tower, and then through the third Macau-Taipa bridge to Ocean Garden (residence complex), crossing along the northwest of Taipa to the Macau Stadium, Cotai and will terminate at the Macau International Airport.

The proposed route for the first phase light rail system project. The points indicated does not denote stops or stations.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/macau1999/features/light-rail-route.jpg

The second purposed route will begins from the border to Coloane Island and it includes 17 stations.

MACAO, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Entrusted by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, the Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR) said here Friday that it will conduct a public opinion survey on the building of an urban rail system in Macao.

Robin Wong, civil engineering manager of MTR said at a press conference here that technicians from the company carried out a field study in the first half year to collect data for an intensive research on building the light rail network.

The next step will be the consultation on the route, transportation mode and station building of the system, said Wong.

The company will send survey sheets to randomly selected local residents, students, tourists as well as to the transportation department, associations with the gaming and hotel industries and environmental specialists.

The Macao SAR government has brought the study of the urban light rail project into its work agenda this year. Secretary for Public Works and Transport Ao Man Long said earlier this year that the public consultation exercise should gauge citizens' views on the future development of Macao's public transportation system.

The possibility of building a light rail system to improve public transport condition was first brought forward in the 1980s.Entrusted by the Macao SAR government, MTR turned out an in-depth feasibility proposal on the project building last year.

Wong said that the company would take the result of the consultation into consideration to further improve the feasibility report in details. The result will be published for the second round of public consultation before it is handed over to the authorities next year.

According to the previous proposal, the light rail project is estimated at a cost of 2.7 billion patacas (338 million US dollars). It will address the demand of bustling traffic in Macao in 2006 by taking up a daily passenger handling of 43,000 with 90 percent of the passengers tourists.

With the present land coverage measured at just 26.8 square kilometers, Macao has a population of 450,000, which makes it a city of the world's highest population and vehicle density. Meanwhile, the small town hosted a record number of 11.88 million visitors in 2003. The light rail network is expected to expedite the traffic by linking up the Macao Peninsula with its Taipa and Coloane islands and hooking the city with the transportation network in south China's Guangdong Province. Enditem

Proposal of two subway lines. The first line is surrounding the Macau Island and the second line will connect through to Taipa. Total length of both lines are 27 kilometers. The construction cost will be around 10.8 to 12 billion patacas (1.5 billion US). Most stations will build underground and it's close to the residential, tourist districts. The first phrase of the project will complete in 2009.

澳門擬建兩條軌道捷運線

澳門政府擬興建兩條共長27公里的「軌道捷運系統」，造價介乎108億至120億。

有關軌道捷運系統將結合架空及地底的方式，包括一條環繞澳門半島的「環島線」及連接離島的「澳線」。

有關路線將覆蓋大部份的住宅區以及商業旅遊區。初步估計整個軌道運輸系統每小時可以接載7700多人次，採取全自動運作，每隔2至6分鐘有一班車，票價就會現時的巴士收費相若，並且會採取分段收費的方式。工程最快明年招標，首期系統會在2009年投入服務。

負責研究的香港地鐵公司表示，路線的設立評估是以澳門人口及就業分布、旅客量的增長以及城市未來發展的交通需要預測等作為基礎，目前正開展第二階段的研究，預計最終的研究報告可以於今年中完成。

An extension line to the airport connect at the end of the second line. It takes up to 7700 passengers per hour. The trian will comes in every 2 minuates in peak time and 5-6 minutes during other hours. The first line is about 10 kilometers with 10 stations and the second line is 14 kilometers with 14 stations. The subway train will run automatically without drivers. Cost of the tickets is about the same as the bus.

特區政府聘請的顧問公司昨日公佈“澳門軌道捷運系統可行性硏究初步選線方案”，建議考慮能涵蓋澳門和氹仔各主要商、住和旅遊點，以地底為主的捷運系統。總投資約一百二十億，分八年完成。首段捷運系統最快可望於○九年落成啟用。顧問公司將就初步方案進行全面的公衆諮詢，以便制訂最適合澳門實際的捷運系統。

可行性硏究方案公佈

澳門特區政府成立以來，致力優化本澳交通運輸環境及配套設施。其中，政府聘請了香港地鐵公司作為顧問公司，就澳門引入軌道捷運系統的可行性進行探討，從長遠發展考慮，全面改善市內交通，提高澳門的旅遊接待能力，創造具效率及環保的交通運輸環境，滿足澳門社會和經濟可持續發展的交通需要，以及促進區域經濟的融合及旅遊合作。

顧問公司現已完成“澳門軌道捷運系統可行性硏究初步選線方案（中期報吿）”，並於昨日下午假建設發展辦公室舉行說明會。建設發展辦公室主任羅定邦，工務局公共建築廳代廳長鄭岳威，香港地鐵公司土木工程經理黃冠生、首席顧問阮升和顧問姚雪冰等出席，並介紹報吿的主要內容。

首段澳氹線○九落成

據介紹，經初步硏究，澳門軌道捷運系統總長度約為廿七公里，全程均為雙向行車軌道，各個車站服務範圍約三百至五百米，涵蓋澳門及氹仔現有和將來的各個口岸，以及澳門和氹仔大部分住宅、商業及旅遊區等。總投資約為一百二十億元，整個捷運系統興建約歷時八年。若各階段的諮詢和硏究工作順利進行，工程可望於明年公開招標，首段捷運系統（傾向於先建“澳氹線”的部分）最快可望於二○○九年落成啟用。　　

澳門捷運系統將分為“環島線”（澳門半島）及“澳氹線”（南北走向）兩條主幹。“澳氹線”還將設分支“機場支線”，三條捷運線路將交匯接駁成為一體捷運網絡。“環島線”長約十公里，設十個站，車程約為十八分鐘。“澳氹線”長約十四公里，設十四個站，車程約廿三分鐘；其中明珠塡海區至澳門市中心的線路初步有四個建議方案，全部為南北走向。“機場支線”長約三公里，連接氹仔市中心、機場、北安新客運碼頭等地點，車程約五分鐘。

採地底架空結合方案

捷運系統設計長度客流量為每小時七千七百人次，繁忙時間列車每兩分鐘一班，非繁忙時間五至六分鐘一班。捷運系統為全自動運作（無駕駛員），日常將有工作人員作例行巡邏、監察、維修和保養等工作。　　

考慮到澳門市區樓宇非常密集、城市景觀、路面交通等客觀因素，澳門軌道捷運系統建議採取地底及架空結合的方案。當中大部分線路及車站以地底為主；“環島線”北端外圍線路及“澳氹線”小部分則採取架空軌道。顧問公司相信，上述方案將最符合澳門可持續發展的長遠需要。　　

列車方面，澳門捷運系統列車利用膠輪行走，每列車（兩卡）約可載客一百八十人，列車將來可因應需要擴展至每列四卡。捷運車站及地下軌道具備完善可靠的技術，地底環境充分考慮迅速疏散的需要，可提供完全、快捷、準時、可靠、方便、舒適的服務。車站的選點和設計，還將考慮與周邊地區和其他交通工具的接駁、轉乘。

初定線路車站須諮詢

按照初步硏究，捷運系統票務收費足以支持其營運費用。當局較為傾向於採用公、私合營模式經營（即政府和私人投資者共同投資和營運）。捷運系統收費將有能力與現有的公共交通工具競爭，收費及出、入閘系統建議採用類似香港地鐵的模式。

澳門政府代表重申，昨日公佈的線路、車站位置和系統為初步比選方案，當局將以公衆展覽和說明會，全面諮詢公衆對上述內容的意見，並樂於接受公衆對澳門捷運系統的任何建議。在完成公衆諮詢後，顧問公司將深化運輸規劃硏究、成本及財務分析、工程及營運硏究，以及有關法例的硏究，再擬定最終方案及提交最終硏究報吿。

http://img160.exs.cx/img160/437/m111le.th.jpg (http://img160.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img160&image=m111le.jpg)

http://img150.exs.cx/img150/2905/m113mn.th.jpg

Most of the stations will build underground.

澳門市區、特別是舊區的街道狹窄、樓宇非常密集，顧問公司（香港地鐵）建議，除“環島線”北端外圍線路及“澳氹線”小部分將採取架空軌道外，澳門軌道捷運系統線路和車站均會以地下為主，藉以節省佔用地面的空間，減少對城市景觀和路面交通等影響，也能符合澳門可持續發展的長遠需要。

顧問公司指出，該公司在開展工程技術的硏究期間，除全面搜集和硏究澳門地質結構和地底環境等資料外，還參考歐洲和日本同類技術資料和經驗。該公司認為，澳門捷運系統大部分行車隧道宜採用隧道鑽鑿方式建造，即利用專用的大型鑽挖機械在地底較深處施工，旣盡可能避免工程對現有地下管道網絡、電纜、光纖和建築物地基造成影響，也可減少工程對路面交通及其他活動構成的不便。

由於各區地質結構複雜，各類新舊樓宇地基結構不一，特別是一些受保護文物附近更應分外小心。顧問公司正不斷搜集相關資料，以便將來制訂更完善的施工方案。顧問公司指出，在施工期間如有必要，在鑽挖隧道期間須適時對周邊的地底泥層作灌漿或以其他技術加固，確保施工地點地面和附近建築物的結構安全。除了隧道鑽鑿外，部分條件許可線路的隧道，可採用即挖即塡的技術建造。

顧問公司承認，在澳門地底進行這類工程具難度較大，但從其他地區的經驗可見，各類複雜的問題均可以通過不同的技術方案解決。該公司相信，施工技術並不對工程造成嚴重的阻礙。

Video in Chinese
mms://202.175.80.18/tdmvideo/25/1b.asf

Macau outlines plan for 27km rail system
Bidding to build three-line network is to open in 2006
Freda Wan in Macau
26 February 2005
South China Morning Post

Details of Macau's light-rail plans were unveiled yesterday, with the 27km system of underground and elevated tracks estimated to cost between $10.8 billion and $12 billion.

The plans are part of a preliminary feasibility study conducted by Hong Kong's MTR Corporation.

"This is a transit system designed to suit the needs of local residents as well as tourists, Macau's past heritage as well as future development," said MTR engineer Albert Yuen.

Macau's Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau plans to invite bids to build the system next year, and hopes to complete the first phase by 2009, bureau engineer Chiang Ngoc-vai said. The entire railway will take eight years to complete.

The proposed network includes three lines.

A journey on the 10km Loop Line, encircling the Macau peninsula and including 10 stations, would take 18 minutes.

The first to be built would be the 14km Macau-Taipa Line, running from northeast Macau to the city centre and on to Taipa island across the Sai Van Bridge, finishing at Taipa's town centre. The journey would take 23 minutes, including stops at 14 stations.

The 3km Airport Shuttle Link, which branches off from the Macau-Taipa Line, is to carry passengers from Taipa town centre to the airport and the Pac On Ferry Terminal, to be built next year.

The system will have a passenger capacity of 7,700 per hour when completed.

The exact route of the Macau-Taipa Line is under public consultation. Brochures outlining four options are being distributed to residents.

Officials have yet to decide whether the construction cost should come entirely from government coffers. "We have not yet decided whether it should be publicly operated, or a public-private venture, or wholly owned by a private company," Mr Chiang said. "But we are tending towards a public-private venture."

Railway fares will be competitive with buses, Mr Chiang added.

想請問澳門的朋友,澳門是不是將會蓋輕軌呢?還是已經否決了?

the lightrail project is just a proposal, since some people in macau against the plan so we still dont know when the lightrail will begins construction.

it will not be easy but I believe it will start soon.

i believe the macau sar government will start the surveying again soon...but i do believe that the government has missed the best time to build it because the first proposal completed at the time when macau's economy was at its trough. the building cost would be much lower, and the project would resolve the high unemployment that time. moreover, the system might have been completed now, which helps resolve the heavy traffic problem that macau is now facing

在qoos 看到一篇文章說
當時政府話要興建輕軌你地d 刁民話反對
等你地試下塞車，迫巴士，搭唔到的士
全城寸步難行
就等d 蟻民跪地求政府興建
到時政府就順應民意起輕軌，順便撈返畢

Great news! The Light Rail is put on the consultation! :okay:
You may read the press releases from the MSAR Gov't.

Traditional Chinese Version (http://www.gov.mo/egi/Portal/rkw/public/view/showcomp.jsp?id=InfoShowTemp&docid=c373e90e69c36aef8f7ec9c59644483e)

Portuguese Version (http://www.gov.mo/egi/Portal/rkw/public/view/showcomp.jsp?id=InfoShowTemp&docid=c373e90e69c3ad2c8f7ec9c59644483e)

English Version (http://www.gov.mo/egi/Portal/rkw/public/view/showcomp.jsp?id=InfoShowTemp&docid=c373e90e7922c5dc8f7b29bb86de96c2)

An indetailed map from HK's Apple Daily:

http://appledaily.atnext.com/images/apple-photos/apple/20061024/large/A14_02_a.gif

More details from the MSAR press release and the Chinese newspapers reportings from HK and Macau:

--The first phase of the Light Rail length 22km with 26 stops. The Line is planned from the Portas do Cerco à Barra (Barrier Gate) on the Northern Macau Peninsula (connects with Zhuhai, China), via the eastern coastal Macau Peninsula like the Porto Exterior (Outer Harbour), Macau Tower, A-Ma Temple. Then the line goes on the Ponte de Sai Van (Sai Wan Bridge) to Taipa, Cotai and Macau International Airport.

--It would cost 4.2 billion Macao Patacas (MOP, around US$525 million, US$1=8 MOP) to build. It is planned to be opened on year 2010.

--The Light Rail would be built overhead and all the Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) would use rubber types for running.

--The system would run 19 hours a day with an average frequency of 3-6 minutes with an average serving area of 300-500 meters circular.

--Single Fare would be around 3 MOP on Macau Peninsula and 4 MOP to Taipa. There would also planned to have a one-day ticket for 20 MOP and monthly ticket for 240 MOP. Each LRV contains with 4 cars with a maximum capacity of 8000 passengers per hour on one flow.

--There would have three more suggested Light Rail lines: Macau Peninsula Circular (western line) from Porto Interior (Inner Harbour) via Ribeira de Patane to Portas do Cerco à Barra, East-West Line on the Macau Peninsula, and the Taipa Circular.

Yeah, this would take some of the strain on the bus *having badmemories of overcrowding buses*

不經牌坊?不是開玩笑麻?
那個官方網站點閱率才147....而且其中3個是我來的.

不經牌坊?不是開玩笑麻?
那個官方網站點閱率才147....而且其中3個是我來的.

問題是牌坊是世界文化遺產的一部份, 如果在那裏興建輕軌的話, UNESCO絕對有權取消澳門的世界文化遺產的地位, 這肯定會對澳門的旅遊業造成打擊的.

If it connects to most casinos, boarders, and terminals, why not!?:D

what trains are they going to use? also is it gonna be monorail?

what trains are they going to use? also is it gonna be monorail?

i dont think they will use the monorail, from the video i watched before it looks like the subway train from taipei

If it connects to most casinos, boarders, and terminals, why not!?:D

its going to connect to a number of casinos in macau !! :)

74% of respondents in a survey supports building a light rail system for Macau, while a refined LRT plan will be announced on Friday, according to government sources.

The Office for the Development of Infrastructure (GDI) had designated a higher education institution to conduct a questionnaire survey earlier this year. A total of 1,508 questionnaires were classified valid, and 74% of which expressed support to build an LRT system in Macau.

Meanwhile, 70% of respondents deemed acceptable to set up a station within walking distance of 15 minutes, and over 60% deemed that Macau’s traffic pressure will increase in the years to come, and encouraging the population and visitors to use public transport will help to relieve the pressure.

The respondents are also known to have paid concerns on the coverage of the lines, the distribution of stations, landscape, construction time and cost.

On the other hand, sources also told broadcaster TDM and Macao Daily News that the refined proposal will withdraw earlier plan to introduce the LRT line at Avenida da Praia Grande, which could mean cutting of banyan trees aged over 100 years old.

Instead, the route will be diverted to the nearby Avenida do Doutor Mário Soares, in front of the former law courts building.

And since a travelator system will also be introduced to relieve pedestrian congestion in busy areas, the total number of stations will be reduced from 26 to 23, so as to increase the overall operation efficiency of the system.

The Macao Daily News also further reported that officials will be present at the Legislative Assembly’s First Standing Committee meeting on Friday (13 July) morning, to introduce the construction and funding matters to legislators. The proposal will then be published after the presentation.


source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1730)

The refined plan for Macau’s potential light rail transit system was announced, with minor changes from the previous.

The first phase of the project will install tracks measuring 20km long, with 23 stations.

The overall investments will be estimated to be MOP4.2 billion (based on 2006 prices), which will be fully assumed by the Government.

The system is expected to be in operation by the end of 2011.

A 45-day consultation period has begun, and the authorities expect to launch an international tender for the project in 2008.

According to the plan, the first phase of the system will cover the Portas do Cerco to Taipa via Sai Van Bridge, and branches will then be extended to Cotai, the airport and the new maritime terminal in Pac On.

The system will be in service 19 hours a day, with trains every three minutes at peak times.

The maximum passenger capacity will be 8,000 in each direction per hour, if four carriages were in operation.

The service coverage of an LRT station maintains at 300 to 500m, which the Government claims that it will be able to cover 40% of the population within walking distance.

For neighbourhoods not covered by the network, interchange buses will be available.

Meanwhile, the Government will continue to study the second and third phase of the system, including the feasibility to introduce the tracks into the old neighbourhoods on the Macau Peninsula.

Lao Si Io (劉仕堯), Secretary for Transport and Public Works, emphasised that controls will be exercised to avoid overspending of the project.

The project will be tendered under design-and-build model, and international consultants will be invited to draft tender documents for the Macau Government, he said, which will take account inflation factors.

The Office for the Development of Infrastructure (GDI) said that the Government inclines to make an one-off investment to the project, by paying about MOP1 billion each year for four years of construction.

GDI expressed confidence that the Government has the financial capacity to assume the cost.

However, Lao Si Io did not state clearly how many jobs the project will create for Macau, only saying that the project has high technical requirements, and should not create great pressures to Macau’s construction market.

On the other hand, legislators expressed concerns that the first phase of the system does not cover the old neighbourhoods.

Kwan Tsui Hang (關翠杏), Chairwoman of the First Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly, said after a briefing to legislators that the authorities should listen more to the opinions of the residents on the plan, including the design of stations.

She expressed hopes that the system can be extended into the north west and central Macau, so that their transport needs can be fulfilled.

José Chui (崔世平) agreed with the plan, pointing out that the system will promote economic diversification of Macau, as the casinos can now provide shuttle bus services to customers without having them to use public transport.

Ng Kuok Cheong (吳國昌) hoped that the first phase of the system can be extended into the north west, where a series of public housing estates will be completed also in four years time. Residents there may complain that the Government is not far-reaching enough in planning the system if there is no LRT station available to them.

He also urged the Government to estimate more seriously the cost of the project, casting doubts that whether it really would cost MOP4.2 billion, as appointing consultants also needs money, too.

Kou Hoi In (高開賢) said that the system only pays attention to the tourism and gaming sector, and neglecting the old neighbourhoods. He wants the Government to think more about the cost of investments, and the transport expenses of the population.

Iong Veng Ian (容永恩) also expressed concerns about the funding of the system, while reminded the Government should first encourage the population to use more public transports before exercising controls to car ownerships.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1737)

Light rail system the public transport solution: government


Saturday, 14 July 2007
by Sara Farr

The light rail system will be the solution to Macau's traffic chaos and poor public transport the government proposed yeaterday.
During a presentation of the “Solution for the Light Rail System,” director of the Office for Infrastructure Development, Antonio Castanheira Lourenço, said that the light rail would complement existing public transport.
Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Lau Si Io, said that the light rail system would be the “most effective, fast and environmental friendly” way to get around in Macau, considering the rising number of residents as well as tourists each year.
The system will complement both taxis and buses in the city, reducing the number of bus users and encourage more residents to use public transport rather than private, Mr Castanheira Lourenço said. The first phase of the light rail system will have a 20 kilometres route with 23 stops. This initial phase will cost the government 4.2 billion patacas and is expected to be completed and ready to use by 2011, according to the Office for Infrastructure Development.
The solution presented yesterday will go on exibition for 45 days starting yesterday, during which the public are invited to comment.
if all goes according to the office's expectations works for the light rail system are planned to start as early as mid next year.
The preliminary study into the light rail system started in 2003, and during the past four years there were three revisions made after public consultation.
Mr Castanheira Lourenço said he thought the latest proposal was the “most pragmatic and viable” and should meet Macau's needs.
The first phase of the light rail system route will start at Macau's northern district, running through the east side along the reservoir, past the city centre and on to the Sai Van bridge to Taipa. From Taipa it will link passengers directly to the Cotai Strip and then passes the Lotus Flower bridge before ending at the Macau International Airport.
During preliminary studies the Office for Infrastructure Development focused on the main entry and exit points of Macau, including the border gates, the airport and the harbour terminal. But it also took into account residents needs, since it is a transport system designed for locals and not exclusively for tourists, Mr Castanheira Lourenço added.
The light rail system will operate for 19 hours a day, with just three minute intervals between each train during peak hour and a three to six minute waiting time during off peak hours.
According to the presentation, it is expected that the trains will carry about 8,000 people per hour in each direction.
Mr Castanheira Lourenço said that the first phase is set to cater to about 40 per cent of the population, while the whole system, for which plans have not yet be drawn, once complete, would cover about 80 per cent of the entire population.
The Office for Infrastructure Development conducted a survey that was sent to 10,000 people, but only 1,500 responses were deemed valid. Of these, 74 per cent said they supported the building of the light rail system, while 60 per cent said that they thought Macau's traffic pressure would increase in the years to come. Encouraging residents and tourists to use public transport will help relieve the pressure, the respondents said.
During the presentation a journalist questioned if the light rail train line at Avenida da Praia Grande, would require cutting down banyan trees that are over 100 years old. A representative from the Office for Infrastructure Development, Francisco Chau, said the trees will not have to go and the visual impact will be minimal.
“The trees [along Avenida da Praia Grande] will block the view from the government headquarters to the train,” Mr Chau said, adding that “to the naked eye you won't be able to see the rail system.”
The presentation also compared the rail system with other transportation systems such as an underground and a monorail. The evaluation concluded the light rail was the best fit for Macau with simpler and faster construction, lower costs building and operation cost and less disruption to traffic and public life.
Officials also presented their construction and funding questions to legislators yesterday morning at the Legislative Assembly's First Standing Committee meeting.
The Government is set to continue to study the possibility of developing a new route in the inner part of the Macau and Taipa in the rail systems second phase.

in http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/

Govt should just do it !!!!
There may be a danger of not doing anything controversial, like in HK, leading to govt paralysis. They should have a vision and do it (bit like Singapore right now with F1, casino's etc.). Don't want it like Bangkok/Thailand, which took years to build a Mass Transit system !!
TRAFFIC IS BAD ENOUGH. WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE IN 4 YEARS ???

The Macau Government will begin the consultation process immediately after the first phase of the light rail transit project begins construction in mid-2008.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lao Si Io (劉仕堯) said that the Government deems that it is “necessary” to launch the second phase of the LRT system, after preliminary analysis, and a related timetable has been defined.

A detailed research, including public consultation, will begin immediately after the first phase of the project begins construction in mid-2008.

Lao dismissed calls to extend the existing first phase proposal route to the first phase to the north west of Macau, that covers densely populated neighbourhoods such as Ilha Verde and Fai Chi Kei, saying that the extension is to be included in the second phase of the project.

He explained that if the first and second phases of the project are to be launched at the same time, it will take four to six years to complete, and Macau’s road traffic is believed to be incapable of the disruptions caused by constructions.

He pointed out that the first and second phases of the project will cover 10% of the roads on the Macau Peninsula, which will “stall” Macau’s traffic if constructions are to be conducted at the same time.

He also explained that having the LRT covered to the north east of Macau first is because it can cover more population.

He rejected claims that the system is purely for visitors, saying that it can also meet the commuting needs of 40% of Macau’s population, or about 200,000 people.

In response to calls to extend the consultation period to three months from 45 days, saying that the public has been given ample time to express their opinion before the refined plan was published, and so the duration of 45 days is sufficient.

However, the authorities will adjust appropriately in response to opinions.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1740)

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lao Si Io (劉仕堯) told architects and engineers that extending the LRT system into the northwest of the Macau Peninsula will be considered.

He added that such consideration will be subject to the capacity of the transport network during the first phase of construction of the system.

Under the existing proposal, the first phase of Macau’s LRT system will terminate at Portas do Cerco, in the north of Macau Peninsula. Residents living in Ilha Verde and Fai Chi Kei in the northwest had repeatedly expressed hopes that the system could be extended to their neighbourhoods rather than leaving it until the second phase of the project.

Lao told representatives of architects and engineers in a consultative session that the Government feels necessary to introduce the LRT system in the northwest and the Inner Harbour neighbourhoods, but the route has to be studied carefully since the demand for space means that it may not be easy to introduce LRT into the Inner Harbour area.

The Government insists that the study of the feasibility of the second phase of the project will be launched immediately after the first phase has begun construction, but does not rule out to have certain stations reserved for the second phase to be constructed first before the first phase of the project is completed.

Lao also denied claims that the LRT system is constructed only for the benefit of visitors, saying that both residents and visitors have the right to use means of local public transport, and division between residents and visitors is unnecessary given Macau’s society has already accepted visitors coming to Macau.

He added that the first phase of the LRT system has covered commercial and casino areas in NAPE/ZAPE and Cotai, which serves the commuting needs of many local residents reaching to and from work.

Meanwhile, Macau’s World Heritage sites will not be affected as a result of the introduction of the system.

The A-Ma Temple station will be built at the former Government Shipyard site, which is located at a certain distance away from the temple itself.

The Office for the Development of Infrastructure said that the buildings of the former shipyard will not be fully demolished.

Moreover, room has been reserved to connect Macau’s LRT system to the proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and travelators will possibly be installed at Portas do Cerco station to connect it with the Zhuhai Port station of the Pearl River Delta Intercity Light Rail System.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1773)

The proposed Macao LRT is all just one big metro line with a branch in the Cotai Strip as shown in the New Macau projects map.

The Government may delete the clause which allows bus operators to renew their monopolies automatically when their contracts expire.

Sources told Macao Daily News that the Government will consider regaining more control in dealing with bus operators.

Under existing contracts, the monopoly contracts will automatically be renewed for another 10 years if review or negotiations are not taking place a year before they expire.

The contracts between the Government and the two bus operators, Transmac and TCM, will expire in October 2008, which means the Government has to decide whether there should be a review by next month.

The community has repeatedly demanded an improvement of public transport services, and the Government has also repeatedly emphasised the principle of giving priority to public transport.

One of the problems in the existing contracts is that the Government only has the effective power to approve bus routes designated by bus operators, rather than designing and introducing it.

This has resulted in a number of bus routes being highly overlapped, and main roads are usually congested with buses, along with other vehicles which are also on the increase.

It is hoped, in a long term, that buses in Macau will become the secondary means of public transport to supplement the LRT system once it is completed, and a three-tier public transport system which includes the LRT, buses and travelators will eventually be formed in Macau.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1787)

Xinhua news:
Survey says 60% support Macao light metro project (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/13/content_6719394.htm)

Xinhua news:
Survey says 60% support Macao light metro project (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/13/content_6719394.htm)

Traffic is too crazy at the moment. Metro is welcome to Macau!

The Government gave a green light to the first phase of the LRT project, which will not be extended into the North West of the Macau Peninsula.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lao Si Io (劉仕堯) said that the Government will do all it can to have the project publicly tendered and constructed by the second half of 2008, while the whole project is expected to complete by the end of 2011.

The first phase of the project will measure 20km long and have 23 stations along. The capacity of passengers will be 8,000 per hour in each direction for two-car trains.

The construction is expected to take 48 months to complete, and will begin full operations in 2011.

The Government launched a 45-day consultation period for the project, during which more than 130 comments and opinions were received.

Lao promised to introduce an anti-corruption and auditing mechanism for the project to control the construction cost of the project, which is estimated to be at MOP4.2 billion.

He also said that the Government has ruled out the chance to set up a body totally funded by the Government to operate the system, while other operational forms are still under consideration.

Meanwhile, the public opinion in general has expressed reservation in introducing a public-private partnership to operate the LRT.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1821)

The route map

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/zh/c/ce/MacauLightRail-Phase1.jpg

Pretty good coverage for most tourist attractions

The Government sets up a project team dedicated to Macau’s Light Rapid Transit system project.

The Macau Special Administrative Region Gazette published the Chief Executive’s Dispatch yesterday, promulgating the decision to set up an Office for Transport Infrastructure (GIT).

According to the Dispatch, GIT will be chiefly responsible for the LRT project, along with assisting the Government to formulate future policies concerning public transport.

The period of existence of the Office is set at five years, and is renewable.

Sources told Jornal Va Kio that the Government is due to announce the appointment of the Director of the Office in due course.

Meanwhile, legislators have mixed opinions about the setting up of the new office.

Ng Kuok Cheong (吳國昌) said that the office is unnecessary, and its functions may overlap with similar government agencies for public transport.

José Pereira Coutinho also said that the office may overlapped functions, and pointed out that the LRT project should have more transparency.

Kwan Tsui Hang (關翠杏) agreed that it is necessary to set up a separate office for a project which Macau has no experience in, but she hoped that more coordination is needed to avoid the construction effectiveness and efficiency being affected.

In response, the Office of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works told Jornal Va Kio that it is necessary to set up a separate office for the project after learning from experiences in other cities.

It also pointed out that the Office for the Development of Infrastructure (GDI) is now responsible for a number of infrastructure projects, making it not able to concentrate on the LRT project at the same time.

It stressed that the different government agencies have clear divisions of labour in executing public transport policies.

source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1827)

The second phase will cover most of the residential area

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/zh/thumb/2/23/Macau_Light_Rail_Stations.png/501px-Macau_Light_Rail_Stations.png

The second phase will cover most of the residential area

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/zh/thumb/2/23/Macau_Light_Rail_Stations.png/501px-Macau_Light_Rail_Stations.png

It is really time consuming for those airport passengers to go to Macau Peninsula even after phase II were complete. :ohno:

Better transport facilities needed as Macau grows
31 October 2007
South China Morning Post

Recent moves to diversify Macau's economy with the development of integrated resorts such as the Venetian Macao and MGM Grand are luring eager visitors and spurring growth.

But while the cash and chips flow fast and furious on Macau's gambling tables, the story is different on the road. Traffic congestion, hour-long taxi queues, and huge crowds at border gates - all that is getting worse as the city lights glow brighter.

Macau's infrastructure has been hit hard as arrivals reached 22 million last year, only slightly behind Hong Kong's 25 million and representing a compound annual growth rate of 17 per cent between 2003 and 2006 and a year-on-year growth of 21 per cent in the first half.

Without rapid connectivity improvements, the mounting jams could tarnish the city's image and reduce economic and property market potential.

Dissatisfaction, meanwhile, is intensifying along with the traffic. During the last golden week, mainland visitor flow forced a temporary shutdown of the Gongbei border gate. Current capacity, insufficient at 300,000 travellers per day, has meant disgruntled travellers in long immigration queues.

Hailing a taxi is no easy feat. Only half of the visitors polled in surveys are satisfied with the transportation system, according to government statistics. Sentiment is likely to worsen, given the aggregate demand-supply ratio for taxis is already high at 712:1 compared to 395:1 in Hong Kong.

Last year, 16 per cent of visitors agreed that public transportation needs improvement compared to 6 per cent in 2004.

Thankfully, the government has felt the sting and several major infrastructure projects are now in the pipeline. However, these must be pursued much faster to keep pace with the economy.

By far the best long-term solution for internal connectivity will be the launch of the proposed light rail transit system. The first phase of the system, carrying 8,000 passengers per hour, will be completed in 2011 serving ultimately 12 stops in the peninsula and 11 on the Cotai Strip. A public consultation was completed in August and construction will commence next year.

Externally, the focus should fall on improving border capacity as over 60 per cent of visitors arrive in Macau by land, typically from the Pearl River Delta. Expansion plans for Gongbei to handle 500,000 arrivals per day by 2009, in addition to the capacity of 80,000 at the Lotus Bridge checkpoint, will help alleviate some immigration traffic, but not enough and not soon enough.

For mainland visitors outside the Pearl River Delta, existing travel options are unattractive. Only 13 cities in the mainland have direct flights into Macau International Airport. The alternative is to fly to Guangzhou and then take a three-hour coach ride to Macau.

Several infrastructure projects aim to facilitate visitor flow from the mainland. The Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity Rapid Link system, which will cut travel time to 40 minutes from three hours by 2009, is one.

The Guangzhou-Zhuhai West Expressway also will enhance connectivity in three years to put Macau within a 30-minute drive from Hong Kong along the 35km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

However, problems remain in the air for serious business travellers, particularly as Macau's integrated resorts try to tap markets within a five-hour flight, including Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. As MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) facilities have expanded by more than 540 per cent with the opening of the Venetian Macao, more than one million business travellers are expected to attend exhibitions and trade shows each year.

Macau's planned airport expansion to handle eight million flights per year by 2011 (from six million last year) will bring some relief.

Improved connectivity will shape the world's best performing gaming city into a more livable one to offer stronger support for retail and residential property prices.

Expatriates are expected to absorb all the new supply of luxury residential units of around 17,500 between now and 2010. Rising demand for high-end properties could easily drive up rents and capital values by 10 per cent per year over the next two to three years.

And while initial yields may be low, investors can look forward to increases. If connectivity and border situations improve, investment demand is likely to rise with more mainlanders buying second homes in Macau.

Still in its infancy, Macau's retail market will see an addition of close to nine million sqft of retail space in the next two to three years. The Venetian Macao alone injected one million sqft of retail space in August. Retail business opportunities are plenty but with ample supply and keen competition for tenants, rental growth potential will be mild.

If transport systems are smooth, retail facilities will benefit from shoppers dallying longer in the city.

To reach its full economic potential, much will depend on whether Macau successfully transforms the typical profile of a visitor from one who enters, gambles and exits, to one who spends inside the city.

The roll-out of integrated resorts should lengthen visitors' stays to at least two days from the average of 1.1 compared to 3.5 days in Hong Kong and Las Vegas.

So while it may have surpassed Las Vegas in gaming revenues, Asia's rising star will need to speed up infrastructure development. The road to stardom involves more roads (and border gates) ahead.

Marcos Chan is a director of research at Jones Lang LaSalle

Good news - another project getting underway.

The first phase of the Light Rail Transit system will employ around 100 local workers, the Transport and Infrastructure Office (GIT) director said yesterday.
According to Lei Chan Tong the new jobs will be created in several sectors including management. “One hundred jobs to create will include in the construction sector and also management as well as some technical areas. Future manpower will be needed because the light rail construction will have more than 10 working areas. These jobs are limited for now but they are just for the consulting phase. Of course when the construction works begin the need will be much higher,” he explained.
In addition, Lei said that GIT will strive to launch part of the civil engineering projects related to the light rail transit within this year. He admitted that the start of construction had been pushed back for a few months, and
he was aware it was caused by some “technical problems” in the open tender during the preliminary work period.
The press conference was held after the signing ceremony of the project management and technical support contract of the
first phase of Macau Light Rail Transit system. The project management and technical assistant consultation services for the Phase 1 LRT System has been awarded to the joint venture consortium of Fase (Portugal), EGIS Rail (France) and Setec its (France) after the tender evaluation. The contract sum for the service is 176 million patacas and the period of service will be 46 months.
The consortium will first carry out a comprehensive review and analysis of the Phase 1 LRT route previously announced to determine the final alignment and location of stations. The team will then assist GIT to prepare tender documents for the procurement of systems and rolling stock, and the civil works.
Some construction works may begin this year says Lei Chan Tong. Meanwhile the connections to the Zhuhai, Macau, Hong Kong bridge and Hengqi Island are still in study. “We might create some connections to Hingqi Island. At this moment we are still in negotiations with the three way bridge. We will try to negotiate in this direction,” he added.
During the second quarter of this year they also might launch the public tender regarding the rail systems and materials and construction.

http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/images/stories/09Mar24/edition%20650.pdf

Finally Macao will have light rail transit all the way. Hopefully they will connect the city well.

Light rail costs soar

Estimated costs for the first phase of the light rail system have risen nearly 80 percent from MOP4.2 billion to MOP7.5 billion.
The director of the Transport Infrastructure Office (GIT), Lei Chan Tong has revealed.

Lei said the steep increase was due to the rising price of materials and alterations to the original plan, such as passenger capacities and the construction of an underwater tunnel and an underground station, as well as environmental protection measures.

However, the first phase of the light railway project is bound to cost more than the announced MOP7.5 billion because, the GIT director said, the figure does not include expenditure on building car parks, traffic interchanges and other related infrastructures.

The government-funded project is expected to get off the ground in June next year and to be operational by 2014.

First step back in the light rail construction. Hope this is the first and the last one. Macau needs this project so badly.

I've been wanting to do some calculations on the ballooning of infrastructure costs in the HK forum for HK/pan-PRD projects... but this one is as good as any on a little theory some people have regarding purchasing power...

The 4.2billion MOP was 2006 prices, which is 4billion HKD, which in turn is 526million USD. The gold price in the start of 2006 was 580 USD. So the Macau light rail project could be considered to cost ~907,000 ounces of gold.

Now in 2009, gold is hovering about 1050 USD/oz. Said 907,000 oz. of gold would be worth 952million USD, or 7.4billion HKD, or 7.62billion MOP.

So in gold terms... it costs exactly the same back in 2006 as compared to 2009, despite wildly different (in USD/HKD/MOP terms) costs for raw materials such as oil, steel, sand, etc.

Funny...

I've been wanting to do some calculations on the ballooning of infrastructure costs in the HK forum for HK/pan-PRD projects... but this one is as good as any on a little theory some people have regarding purchasing power...

The 4.2billion MOP was 2006 prices, which is 4billion HKD, which in turn is 526million USD. The gold price in the start of 2006 was 580 USD. So the Macau light rail project could be considered to cost ~907,000 ounces of gold.

Now in 2009, gold is hovering about 1050 USD/oz. Said 907,000 oz. of gold would be worth 952million USD, or 7.4billion HKD, or 7.62billion MOP.

So in gold terms... it costs exactly the same back in 2006 as compared to 2009, despite wildly different (in USD/HKD/MOP terms) costs for raw materials such as oil, steel, sand, etc.

I think Mr Lei Chan Tong should read this forum! We would find the best excuse in the world and beyond...

Buy gold ?!? vs property!
This project is beyond necessity.
Macau can not grow in a reasonable manner without the infrastructure to support the flow of people.
Hasn't the rail network been expanded to include additional stops in Cotai, Taipa and near border?? Every hotel/casino wants a stop in front of their door. This can also account for rising costs.

The rail road wont have stops in every single casino's door.

Amount is nothing compare to infrastructure projects in HK....

HK building link with China national network....cost likely $60bn and rising.
Also Shenzhen/HK Airport link.... likely same...
And HK-Macau--Zhuhai, costing more....

Plus tons of other local projects.

And I think most of these projects offer limited use unlike Macau rail (bar HK-Macau bridge, tho biased).

I'm more concerned about HK's spending than Macau. $8bn doesn't even register in HK...

sometimes it is odd how is possible that a transport system in a city would cost less than one resort (city of dream cost 13billion?), even just Wynn Concord (which is just one building) costing similar amount to rail?

sometimes it is odd how is possible that a transport system in a city would cost less than one resort (city of dream cost 13billion?), even just Wynn Concord (which is just one building) costing similar amount to rail?

Well, if the city in question is 9 sq. Km and the Resort is huge and very high end...

According to a friend the land per sq is more expensive and most of the money in the resorts construction is spend in luxury.

Timetable for Macau LRT
9 December 2009
The Standard

Macau will have a light rail system connecting the peninsula with Taipa Island and the Cotai Strip in four years, it was disclosed yesterday.

Construction will start soon on the light rapid transit system, which will eventually be extended to include Hengqin Island, an area destined to become a major education base for Macau and neighboring Zhuhai.

There is also a plan to eventually link the LRT system to the future Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Macau transport infrastructure office consultant Michael Lam Soi- hoi told a Pearl River Delta conference in Hong Kong that the 7.5 billion pataca (HK$7.28 billion) phase one of the railway will be completed in 2014. He said the Macau government may subsidize the project so the railway can start operating sooner and costs can be recouped more quickly.

While fare levels have yet to be decided, Lam said it is expected to be between four and six patacas, which will be sufficient to recover the cost within a relatively short period.

``The government is now looking into the feasibility of different fare levels. We expect it will stay in the red in the first few years, but we hope to be in the black by 2020,'' he said.

The Macau government currently subsidizes public bus fares.

The Macau Post Daily reported last week that the government had proposed two sets of fares for the first phase. It said travel within the Macau peninsula will cost four patacas, while trips between the peninsula and Taipa will cost two more patacas. An alternative proposal puts the fares at five and seven patacas.

Based on current cost estimates, the subsidy for early operations could range between 20 million and 110 million patacas a year.

Tenders are now being called for the supply of rolling stock and systems, with a March 12 deadline.

The project, first announced in 2007, will have 21 stations along a 21-kilometer track in the first phase and cost 7.5 billion patacas, almost 80 percent higher than its initial estimate.

Passenger capacity will reach 14,000 at peak hours in 2020.

^^The future of Macau looks more & more clear. Many things are happening & picking up.....

As per post #21 - anybody got an updated map of rail system?

Some of stats bit different in article below;
http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/macau-launches-light-metro-tender.html
The initial Pataca 7.5 billion ($US 90 million) phase will run for 22km from Portas do Centro near the border with mainland China, to Lago da Barra and across the Sai Van bridge to the island of Taipa, where it will terminate at Macau International Airport.
A rubber-tyred system will be used with 30m-long trains accommodating around 200 passengers. The line will operate for 19 hours a day with a minimum headway of three minutes, giving a peak capacity of 4000 passengers per direction per hour.
The first 23-station phase of the network will open in 2014. Future extensions could include an east-west line across the Macao peninsula, and a Sai Van - Pac On Ferry Terminal line on Taipa island which would use part of Phase 1 to form a circle line.
Macau is the world's most densely-populated region, with 18,428 inhabitants per square-km.

thanks for the update..my fellow sooner !! :)

What technology will be LRT be using?
I supose it is non elevated?

I'm really skeptical.
Given Macau's density, it'll have to go on viaducts, say monorail.
In particular, i strongly urge considerations for the Urbanaut system.

I'm ruling out underground, because of high cost and tight turnings required.

US$1b light railway up and running in Macau by 2014
17 September 2010
South China Morning Post

The Macau government will spend US$1 billion to build a light railway by 2014 and continue expansion thereafter, according to Michael Lam Soi-hoi, a transport infrastructure consultant with the city's government.

"In the next 10 years, a big change will come to Macau. Lots of railways and roads will be built," said Lam at the South China Transport Infrastructure conference in Shenzhen on Wednesday.

The US$1 billion would be spent on Phase I of the plan, which comprised two light rail lines and would start operation in 2014, Lam said.

One light railway line is a 9km route with 10 stations along the coast of the old city from the Border Gate to the A-Ma temple, which will be a 16.5-minute journey. The other is an 8km line with 11 stations in Taipa and Cotai, with a journey time of 17 minutes, which will connect Macau's international airport to the rest of the island.

At least two Phase I light railway stations would connect to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Railway, enabling passengers to travel from Macau to Guangzhou in one hour, he said. "This will create a one-hour travel radius connecting Macau, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. This is part of a plan for seamless regional integration with the Pearl River Delta."

Macau's light railway would be linked to Guangzhou's high-speed railway and hence the national high-speed rail network, which will enable passengers to travel from Macau to Xiamen in four hours, from Macau to Wuhan in four hours and from Macau to Beijing in 10 hours, Lam said.

Phase II of the light railway system had been envisaged by the government but was still at the planning stage, he said. This will include a 5km light rail section that will connect with the Phase I light rail line, completing a loop around the old city. Other plans in Phase II include a cross-sea light railway between the old city and Taipa and a link to the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge, which is expected to start operating by the end of 2015.

However, preserving Macau's heritage buildings while constructing the light railway would be a challenge, Lam admitted.

That's cool stuff there :)

So with that said:
-When will they start construction?
-Does the preliminary list of stations still apply?

Will the LRT be elevated like Singapore's MRT or build into the streets? I've never been a fan of light rain integrated into the streets because that limits their routes, speed, train length, and makes busy streets even more congested.

Macau light rail project put on hold after Bombardier seeks court injunction
1 February 2011
The Canadian Press

MONTREAL _ The Macau government has put the brakes on the first phase of its light rail transit project after Bombardier Transportation sought a court injunction to block the awarding of a contract to Japanese rival Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Published reports in Macau said the head of the transit authority suspended the process until further notice as was required by law.

Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) confirmed that it and partner China Road and Bridge Corp. filed an injunction in court on Friday seeking to cease all administrative actions related to the contract including blocking the US$586-million contract.

``While reviewing the tender documents of the other bidders we have found several issues that require further investigation,'' Bombardier spokesman Marc Laforge said in an email.

He said the consortium has requested information about the winning bid to make an ``equitable evaluation'' about the proposal.

``Of course, we cannot speculate on the outcome of the procedure, but hope it will be favourable to Bombardier.''

Losing bidders were formally notified about the contract with Mitsubishi on Jan. 7 and had two months to appeal.

A joint venture including German-based Siemens and China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. had also bid on the contract.

Despite the injunction, neither losing bidder has filed an appeal.

The Macau transit authority said it will announce its next step ``in due time,'' but doesn't believe the injunction will have a great impact on the project's full development.

Bombardier's basic bid was $15 million lower than the winning submission, but it was higher when factoring optional work not included in the contract such as a 10-year system maintenance and options for two additional orders, according to Portuguese language newspaper Hoje Macau.

Bombardier had planned to build a railway assembly factory in neighbouring Zhuhai if it was the successful bidder.

Bombardier has a strong presence in nearby Guangzhou in southern China, but this would have been its first in Macau.

On the Toronto Stock Exchange, Bombardier shares closed down four cents to $5.70 in Monday trading.

On hold again?? sigh... this light rail has been long due for Macau

Light rail so close, yet so far
28/03/2011 08:35:00 Natalie Leung

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Hong Kong became operational in 1979 and has evolved to have a total of nine lines. The Shanghai Metro was launched in 1995 and was the third urban rapid transit system in mainland China after Beijing and Tianjin. The Japan Railways Group, commonly referred to as “JR”, operates a high quality rail service covering most parts of Japan.

All these examples seem to suggest that having a sophisticated metro transit is a common characteristic among advanced economies or developed countries, as essential as having an (international) airport, a stable and organised government, a comprehensive health care system or other major infrastructure that support people’s quality of life and daily needs.

Apparently one can find an urban railway system in most - if not all - of the highly developed or even developing countries or regions in the world.
I’m sure the Macau Government has acknowledged the fact that a mass transit system can help boost the city’s international status and is one of the many prerequisites for upgrading itself and achieving the goal of becoming a world travel and leisure hub.

Of course, the light rail transit (LRT) has also appeared to be the best and long-term solution for the traffic deadlocks in the SAR, where population and tourists are climbing and existing public transportation has long been facing public criticism.

I believe a lot of people in Macau, and perhaps even tourists who have been to Macau and have experienced the bus and taxi services here or who are planning to visit this place, have high hopes for our light rail transit, which, unfortunately, was originally supposed to have entered its first phase construction in the second half of 2008 and be up and running by the end of 2011.

At least that was what Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lau Si Io told the local media at a press conference held on October 12, 2007.
So here we are already in late March 2011 with the Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT) having “finally” announced the winning bidder of the public tender to supply the rolling stock and system for the LRT phase one on December 30, 2010, giving the Macau public some “pleasant news” right before the New Year’s Day.

Well, regardless of whether local people like Mitsubishi or not and all those under-the-table rumours/allegations between the Macau Government and the Japanese company, it was a big step forward and has shown to the public that the LRT project is still on the agenda.

Now, GIT says the construction is expected to kick off in the second half of this year and that the transit will start operating in early 2015.
But then, the latest evolvement understood by the Macau Daily Times is that the consortium between Bombardier Transportation and China Road and Bridge Corporation, which was one of the three bidders, has filed a lawsuit on March 2 in Macau against the GIT for refusing to release several documents from the tender process to them.

I don’t have a clue what is going to happen next and I’m not saying that the consortium should not have done this which may cause delays, again, in the LRT construction, especially when it has doubts over the impartiality and fairness in the bidder selection process. But undeniably the lawsuit has now cast uncertainty on the project.

GIT chief Lei Chan Tong did not comment much on the matter even before the lawsuit. Ironically, in his inauguration back in November 2007 he pledged that his role was to “build a clean, efficient, practical and transparent image” for the GIT.

http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/our-desk/23612-Light-rail-close-yet-far.html

I goes to Macau quite frequently, and I don't really have a problem with its Taxi, maybe because time was never a problem with me, but, yes, a more efficient transport is always welcome.

I goes to Macau quite frequently, and I don't really have a problem with its Taxi, maybe because time was never a problem with me, but, yes, a more efficient transport is always welcome.

Few years ago, I was riding a taxi to Macau Airport. On the traffic light intersection, a motorbike bumped to the back of the taxi and quickly speed away.

The taxi driver was cursing towards the biker but didn't give it a chase. Instead he stopped and get down where he was (during green light, and a van waiting behind) and started to check every inch of his vehicle. The detail check included the back, front bumper, left and right side of his vehicle... :nuts::rofl::rofl:

Funny guy...

Few years ago, I was riding a taxi to Macau Airport. On the traffic light intersection, a motorbike bumped to the back of the taxi and quickly speed away.

The taxi driver was cursing towards the biker but didn't give it a chase. Instead he stopped and get down where he was (during green light, and a van waiting behind) and started to check every inch of his vehicle. The detail check included the back, front bumper, left and right side of his vehicle... :nuts::rofl::rofl:

Funny guy...

He should know he has no chance to chase a bike ...

but he has to report damage to the taxi owner.

He should know he has no chance to chase a bike ...

but he has to report damage to the taxi owner.

Yeah, but he got bumped at the back but he checked the front as well.

Yeah, but he got bumped at the back but he checked the front as well.

:lol: you should have asked him, taxi drivers loves to talk/complaint/etc.

With the price of oil going towards $ 200 a barrel, a more efficient public transportation infrastructure is certainly needed in the coming decade....

Isn't taxi in Macau use LPG already?

How is Light Rail energy usage compare to buses?

Will the LRT be elevated like Singapore's MRT or build into the streets? I've never been a fan of light rain integrated into the streets because that limits their routes, speed, train length, and makes busy streets even more congested.

Macau will be ideal to have monorail, eg, Hitachi, MTrans, Urbanaut. Hope they will reconsider, and perhaps call a RFP based on functional specs (only specifying performance criteria) without specifying the technology (i.e. leave it open to weather it is light rail, monorail, or underground). This way, an informed objective assessment can be made.

Macau will be ideal to have monorail,.

IMO, Monorail should never be used as serious form of transport.

It can have great success in theme park, tour trips, etc. but...

Monorail is expensive to build, expensive to run, breakdown often, difficult to maintain, service less passenger, etc.

Sydney has monorail since 1988, to me, it is a eyesore, hardly anyone use it, it is also very annoying living next to one.

IMO, Monorail should never be used as serious form of transport.

It can have great success in theme park, tour trips, etc. but...

Monorail is expensive to build, expensive to run, breakdown often, difficult to maintain, service less passenger, etc.

Sydney has monorail since 1988, to me, it is a eyesore, hardly anyone use it, it is also very annoying living next to one.


With due respect, you are very ill-informed about what monorail is. If you have an open mind and are prepared to acquire new knowledge, you can check out monorails.org for a start.

With due respect, you are very ill-informed about what monorail is. If you have an open mind and are prepared to acquire new knowledge, you can check out monorails.org for a start.

I don't know why you think i am ill informed about what monorail is.

I have a look at your webpage, it is bias like anything that try to promote itself, Prehaps there are plenty of successful monorail (success is not only about profit, it has to solve traffic problem as well). But my opinions about monorail stay, based on my experience with Sydney's monorail.

If your idea of monorail is only for a tourist attraction, that bring you from one casino to another, prehaps it has its value.

But it is still annoying having to live next to one.

I don't know why you think i am ill informed about what monorail is.

I have a look at your webpage, it is bias like anything that try to promote itself, Prehaps there are plenty of successful monorail (success is not only about profit, it has to solve traffic problem as well). But my opinions about monorail stay, based on my experience with Sydney's monorail.

That's not my website.
This is just for general reading, for layman to get some overview.
If you really want to know more, there's a big industry out there in research and in practice.
If you hold Sydney monorail as your reference for monorail, that's where you are most misinformed. That is not a mainstream transit system.
When I mentioned monorail for macau, I'm not talking about themepark, for tourist. I am talking about it as an alt to the proposed light rail, i.e. mainstream transit system.
I have mentioned some manufacturers in my earlier post. Do research them if you'd like to know more.

^^ Well, there could be some successful monorail as a transit system such as KL, I do try to imagine how can you build it over Macau, I may be wrong, but you can't run it above the road, because the columns will be in the way, which means it has to run along/above footpath, The majority of Macau has very narrow footpath, even if it can fit the track (away from everyones balconies), you really got very limited places to fit the stations, which has to includes lifts, stairs, for predestrian access.

Yes, it can be an alternative, operational and feasibility wise, I perfer lightrails.

News (http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/macau/25711-Cotais-light-rail-route-rolled-out.html) on the Macau LRT:
According to GIT chief Lei Chan Tong, the tenders for the civil construction of the entire Taipa and Cotai sections of the LRT route will begin in the third quarter of this year, whilst the civil construction of the Macau section is expected to follow in the first half of 2012.
The Cotai and border route covers the west side of the Cotai Strip (the roads between Galaxy Macau and the Venetian Resort Hotel), the Lotus Flower Port, the Macau Dome, the east side of Cotai (City of Dreams), the Macau University of Science and Technology, the airport as well as the Pac On ferry terminal.
Lei said the office will maintain “close coordination” with traffic, environmental protection and city planning departments during the related construction in order to minimise the impacts on the daily lives of the public.
Furthermore, in response to the expected growing demand for public transportation after the Seac Pai Van public housing is completed at the end of 2012, Lei said a light rail station has been reserved in this community, but in the early period only connecting buses can transport people between the residential quarter and the nearest light rail station.
According to the GIT chief, the stations are one of the most important components of the LRT and those at the Cotai and border section will be able to provide “convenient and high quality” public transportation to residents and tourists who need to travel to any of the main borders in Macau.
http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/files.php?file=images0-2011/05-Maio/LRT_Cotai_route_965147340.jpg

According to git.giv.mo, an automated metro was to be built. Is this the same as the light rail?

I think monorail would be ideal here.

http://flagcounter.com/count/7uR/bg=FFFFFF/txt=FFFFFF/border=FFFFFF/columns=1/maxflags=1/viewers=3/labels=0/http://flagcounter.com/count/1KOk/bg_FFFFFF/txt_FFFFFF/border_FFFFFF/columns_1/maxflags_1/viewers_3/labels_0/

I think monorail would be ideal here.

http://flagcounter.com/count/7uR/bg=FFFFFF/txt=FFFFFF/border=FFFFFF/columns=1/maxflags=1/viewers=3/labels=0/http://flagcounter.com/count/1KOk/bg_FFFFFF/txt_FFFFFF/border_FFFFFF/columns_1/maxflags_1/viewers_3/labels_0/

are you talking about macau, or for some reason, goes to UK and USA.

How do you plan to fit monorail and its stations above all these super narrow macau roads, with bridge, footbridge etc in the way.

I guess it could be above ground in Taipa but definitely need to keep it underground in the historic city centre.

I guess it could be above ground in Taipa but definitely need to keep it underground in the historic city centre.

Got to be real deep as there are all these carpark, tunnels, sewer to dodge. And then to access these deep tunnels.

Does Underground Monorail ever existed?

Hi everybody,

I had been to the 16th International Macau Trade & Investment Fair hold at the Venetian in October this year and talked to the government representative about the LRT Macau project. As per her information construction in civils will most likely start from April 2012 onwards. It seems that the Consultant is already in place and discussing the next steps with Mitsubishi.

Cheers
Max

The GIT is having a couple of showcasts in Macau with station models:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6393701413_0987fdb409.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393701413/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6393699359_d3f116268c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393699359/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6393697163_eb394782e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393697163/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6393694847_f9abe4e7da.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393694847/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6393692625_576fda8c8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393692625/)

and another shot of the map of the LRT Macau:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6393703513_b6b8d755bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/azchael/6393703513/)

The GIT keeps doing a lot of mistakes and slowing down the process. Hope it goes ahead soon as the whole city is fed up with the traffic.