25-02-2010 - Sustainable Transportation and Light Rapid Transit in Macao

The record high growth in recent years has dramatically changed the way of life in Macao. With more and more private vehicles adding into the originally small and narrow road network, Macao is finding difficulties to cope with the increasing demand for road space and to preserve its environment. As announced in October 2007, the Macao Light Rapid Transit (or LRT) is to be built to provide a more convenient and environmental-friendly way of travel for residents and visitors. Consuming less energy with almost zero emission and low level of noise, the LRT can transport more people in a more sustainable way than the conventional modes of transport, which all relies on limited road space, in Macao. To work with management strategies that will favour public transport, the Macao LRT can help to improve the environment by attracting more car or motorcycle users, therefore cutting down the number of private vehicles on the roads and free up the road space for pedestrians and buses. Through connecting pedestrian walkways at LRT stations, it will help to ensure that most places, especially historical sites, are within walking distances, a culture of walking that Macao can continue to be proud of and a key element to ensure that Macao will have a sustainable transportation system for the continual growth in its

economy.