Public bus services under the spotlight

A transport consultation has revealed that the three things of most concern to the people are public bus services, a public transport-priority program for a thoroughfare, and more supervision of hotel and casino shuttle buses. The newly established Transport Bureau disclosed this today when it announced the results of a consultation on a proposal to optimise the city’s public transport network. A total of 466 responses were received in the one-month consultation period, which opened three months ago. Of these 312 responses (67 per cent) showed concern on bus services, mostly on the difficulties in getting on buses, especially during rush hour periods. Some people expressed dissatisfaction over duplication of bus stops and complexity and overlapping of routes. About 95 per cent of responses about bus services agreed with the Government’s decision to open up the public bus market and launch a bus service evaluation programme, so as to improve the quality of services. Some people said that the number of bus companies should not exceed four, and that the present companies should introduce an interchange programme to facilitate passengers. Some respondents urged the Government to optimise bus routes, minimise the overlapping of routes and cut the number of bus stops. Generally most respondents agreed that the Government could subsidise the public bus fare, but felt the programme should be fair, well-monitored, and benefit senior citizens, children and the needy only. Sixty-three per cent of the responses disagreed with the introduction of nine-seater buses, which taxi operators said would affect their business, worsen the shortage of drivers, and cause more traffic congestion. On the contrary, those who supported its introduction believed that it could facilitate residents living in the inner and older districts, considering the lack of buses and taxis in those areas. About sixty-nine per cent of the responses agreed with the public transport priority measures for Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, the main avenue in the central district of Macao Peninsula. A majority of responses urged the Government to strengthen administration on hotel and casino shuttle coaches, such as their number, their routes and parking space for these shuttles.