The newest addition to Macao’s Light Rapid Transit system allows passengers to travel between the peninsula and Taipa by rail for the first time.
LRT
Lack of passenger numbers has always dogged Macao’s rail system, hitting a low of less than 2,000 riders per day during the pandemic years.
Despite an economic rebound and a surge in visitor arrivals, the average daily number of rail passengers is nothing like its pre-pandemic highs.
The volume of passengers has been rising steadily since the easing of pandemic curbs and is set to increase further with the opening of the Taipa-Barra section later this year.
Operation of the 1.6-kilometre line, which connects Seac Pai Van station and a station at the new Islands Healthcare Complex, is expected to begin next year.
After the Covid-19 pandemic and severe weather held up work, construction has finally been finished at the billion-pataca Barra station.
Four new rail lines should be running by 2028; 10 kilometres of elevated walkways to thread their way above city’s most congested areas; electric-powered vehicles to be encouraged.
Under discount scheme running until end of December, fares range between MOP 1.5 and 2.5 depending on length of trip.
Residents can also visit Ecological Trail Garden of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and get tips from pro photographers at Cotai Ecological Zone.