Macau Light Transit System

Infobox Public transit
name = Macau Light Rapid Transit System


imagesize = 100px
locale = Macau
transit_type = Rapid transit
began_operation = planning and assessment phase - completion by 2011
system_length = 28.8 km
lines = 3
stations = 23-27
ridership = N/A | track_gauge = N/A - rubber wheels
operator = TBD

The Macau Light Transit System is a proposed mass transit system for the former Portuguese colony of Macau (now Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China). The LRT will serve the Macau Peninsula, Taipa island, Cotai reclamation area and Macau International Airport.

History

The Macau LRT was first proposed in 2003, but final go ahead was not given until a public announcement by the Government of Macau was made in October 2006. The line will provide better transportation options between the mainland portion of Macau with Cotai and Taipa and release pressure on the roads and bridges to the islands. It will be Macau's first rapid transit line. (Note: The LRT network image shown is outdated. The latest information can be obtained at http://www.git.gov.mo)

Technical Specifications

The proposed LRT system will be driverless and utilize a rubber-tyred system, similar to the Singapore Light Rapid Transit. The Phase I line will run along elevated guideways, ensuring a dedicated right-of-way separated from road traffic.

*Manufacturer : TBD
*System operation : N/A
*Gauge : Central guideway with rubber tyres
*Maximum speed : N/A
*Capacity : 400 (4 car set)
*Unladen weight : N/A
*Size : N/A

Construction

The estimated cost for the first phase of construction (of 23 stations) will be MOP$4.2 billion (about USD$523 million). This portion of the project will be paid and financed by the Government of Macau as a part of their comprehensive public transportation project.

Construction for the first phase of the project will take about 48 months to complete.

Rolling Stock

The LRT will use automated guided vehicles running on concrete track. No manufacturer has been identified or selected as of yet.

Based on the proposal, the cars will be arranged in a 4-cars set with passenger capacity of about 400 passengers. Peak ridership is predicted to be about at 8,800 passengers per hour per direction.

Facilities

TBD

Lines

The LRT network will consist of at least two phases:

*Phase I Line
The line will connect major entry-exit points at the Macao Peninsula and the Taipa Island, the distribution of residents and working population, the tourist demand. The line will utilize reserved space in the lower deck of the Ponte de Sai Van (Sai Van Bridge) to connect to theTaipa island.

There will be 15 stations on Macau and 7 on Taipa.

*Phase II Line
The line will connect the Barrier gate to A-Ma Temple passing through the inner harbour area, and eventually form a loop on the Macao peninsula.

tations

The Phase I Macau LRT will have 23 stations. The names or exact locations of stations will be announced in the near future.

Fares and ticketing

No details on fare type and collection has been provided by the government. It will likely use smart card technology.

ee also

* Transportation in Macau

External links

* [http://www1.appledaily.atnext.com/template/apple/art_main.cfm?iss_id=20061020&sec_id=4104&subsec_id=11867&art_id=6425253 Report about Macau Light Transit System by Apple Daily, 20th Oct, 2006.]

[http://www.git.gov.mo Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT) Macao in charge of the LRT projects.]