TRANSPORTATION: Taipa LRT expected to open in 2016

2014-1-17

From：Macau Daily Times

The city is likely to run its first Light Rail Transit (LRT) route in 2016, according to the Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT).
The LRT Taipa section started construction in February 2012. The whole LRT system is estimated to be costing Macau MOP11 billion to build, although there have been several budget revisions.
The first machine carrying LRT building blocks arrived in Macau recently, according to the GIT. The machine is being assembled near the Macau Airport and will first undergo a safety check. Twelve building blocks have arrived and more will be sent from the mainland to the territory, starting Sunday. Coordinator Lei Chan Tong revealed that hoisting assembly could be carried out after the Chinese New Year, in the next month.
Lei said that the Taipa section would be completed gradually between the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016, followed by a soft opening. He expected the section would be operational by 2016.
The Taipa section was delayed by six to eight months due to the weather and GIT has confirmed that it has asked the construction workers to speed up the process. Lei estimated that the delay may lead to a budget increase of approximately 2 percent, which is within their predicted range of 5 percent.
The GIT briefed three proposals on the LRT Seac Pai Van section to the Traffic Services Committee yesterday. Proposals were released by the authority earlier this month, and provide three options for the LRT linking the Lotus Checkpoint and the public housing community in Seac Pai Van.
Kou Kun Pang, convener of an ad hoc group in the Committee, told journalists after the closed door meeting that there is no consensus or preference on either option.
GIT coordinator Lei said their major concern lies in whether the design will provide better conditions for future extensions of the LRT to Coloane and other parts of the city.
“At the moment, we deem it important to ensure the sustainability of the LRT route, which enables further expansion. The plan should be flexible and diversified with extension options. (…) All of the three options have their own advantages, so we have to listen to opinions from residents.”
The consultation period kicked off in January 10, and it will end February 23. Roving exhibitions introducing the three options are ongoing in different districts such as Seac Pai Van, Taipa, Iao Hon and the central area. There will be a public consultation Saturday from 2p.m. to 5:30p.m. at the Tourism Activity center.

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