A recent survey conducted by the Macao New Chinese Youth Association indicates that a mere 1.5 per cent of respondents rely on the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) as their main mode of transport.
Despite this low usage, a substantial 70.5 per cent of those surveyed believe the government should continue to expand the city’s LRT network beyond the completion of the ongoing LRT East Line project.
The survey, which was reported in Macau Post Daily, was carried out in June and July this year and collected 647 valid questionnaires from local residents aged between 18 and 44. The results were announced yesterday at a press conference.
Pollsters also revealed that public buses are the main transport choice for 36.6 percent of respondents, followed by driving at 31.9 percent and walking at 26.3 percent. While 58.7 percent reported having used the LRT in the past year, a significant 68.4 percent of these users stated they only used it once every three months or less.
Reasons for using the LRT varied, with 33.9 per cent citing “merely experiencing the ride” as their primary motivation. “Travelling to border checkpoints” and “travelling to casino-hotel resorts” were also significant factors, at 22.1 percent and 21.3 percent respectively.
[See more: Macao’s LRT passenger volume rose in 2024, but revenue remains down]
For those who had not used the LRT in the past 12 months, “stations far away from their homes” was the leading deterrent at 46.1 percent. Other reasons included “the LRT’s limited network coverage” (35.6 percent) and being “unable to reach their destinations directly” (33.3 percent).
A strong demand for modern payment solutions was also evident, with 61.7 percent of respondents stating that the absence of mobile payment apps at ticket gates discouraged them from using the LRT. Currently, passengers can only use stored-value LRT cards or Macau Pass cards.
Furthermore, 64 percent expressed a desire for the LRT operator to develop and launch a mobile app providing real-time train arrival information.
In addition to network expansion, 75.6 per cent of respondents supported the government’s plan to construct the LRT West Line. This proposed line would connect the Qingmao checkpoint with Fai Chi Kei, then run along the Inner Harbour to Barra.
The association has urged the government to expedite the West Line project and called upon the government-owned LRT operator to implement mobile payment options and a real-time train information app for passengers.
