Macau’s casino operators should not be relied upon to solve the city’s traffic problems by providing a substitute transportation system for residents via their shuttle bus network, said Hoffman Ma, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Success Universe Group.
Speaking with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), Ma – whose company is a joint venture shareholder and operator of inner harbor IR Ponte 16 – acknowledged that there has been great demand for hotel shuttle buses from mainland and Hong Kong tourists in recent years but stated his belief that Macau’s overall transportation problem should not be borne by the industry.
“The data reflects the increasing demand for hotel shuttle buses from mainland and Hong Kong tourists, and the hotel will step up its planning of route arrangements and frequency enhancement to facilitate the travel of tourists,” he said.
“[However] I do not agree that hotel shuttle bus service is a disguised service for all. The hotel industry is very willing to take responsibility for part of Macau’s transportation support, and most importantly it can enhance the image of the hotel.
“Hotel shuttle buses can bring a positive travel experience to tourists and the hotel industry will ultimately benefit from this.”
Ma explained that demand for free shuttle bus services at Ponte 16 grew significantly last year, with a 38% increase in the number of routes to and from the Border Gate and an almost 100% increase in the number of routes between the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Ponte 16.
According to the Transport Bureau of Macau, as of the third quarter of 2024 there were 56 hotel shuttle routes running 344 vehicles, 787,757 trips and 14,096,905 passenger trips in the quarter.
Since ride share operations are not legal in Macau; buses, taxis and light rail are the primary means of transportation although hotel shuttle buses have been described by the government as a complementary means of public transportation.
While Macau’s light rail system has been increasing, it is still not heavily utilized as it is not connected to Macau’s main entry and exit points: the Border Gate and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
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