National Day on October 1 falls on Tuesday this year, and in celebration of the “double happiness” event, free bus travel is being offered to residents and visitors tomorrow and free LRT rides today and tomorrow.
The city’s two bus operators announced on their respective websites on Friday that with the approval of the Macau government, the two bus operators have jointly launched a special bus arrangement to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on October 1 and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the mainland on December 20 by making all bus rides free tomorrow for their passengers from the first to the last buses.
The announcement noted that the two public bus operators will closely monitor passenger transport demand and road conditions, while making operational arrangements, contingency plans and staffing arrangements well in advance. In addition, according to the announcement, the two bus operators will also maintain close communication with the Transport Bureau (DSAT) and other entities to exchange information and “flexibly” increase the frequency of bus services in a timely manner, ensuring orderly operation of the first-line services and passengers’ safe and smooth rides.
Government-owned LRT operator Macau Light Rapid Transit Corporation Limited (MLM) said in a statement on Friday that its entire system will be free to ride between September 29 and October 1, i.e., from yesterday through tomorrow, during which passengers can simply enter and exit the gates as instructed by on-site staff at each of the LRT stations.
The LRT carriages were much more crowded than usual yesterday.
The statement also noted that with a view to facilitating the travelling needs of residents and tourists alike during the mainland’s National Day Golden Week, the LRT will extend, from tomorrow through October 7, the departure time of its last trains to 11:59 p.m.
On the first day of free LRT rides yesterday, the light rail broke down once, with some stations stopping operations due to train failure.
The breakdown lasted for about an hour.
According to a notice issued by the LRT operator at 2:47 p.m., its service on the Taipa Line between Taipa Ferry Terminal Station and Ocean Station was suspended due to a train failure at the East Asian Games Station, but limited service was maintained between Ocean Station and Barra Station. The notice urged the affected passengers to consider using alternative modes of transport.
This photo taken yesterday afternoon shows LRT passengers stuck in one of the carriages during the breakdown. – Photo: MPDG
