Nearly 10,000 tourists had used Macau’s concessionaire-operated shuttle bus routes to travel from integrated resorts to local neighborhoods as of the end of May, according to the Macau government, which said the project has begun directing visitor traffic into community areas.
The government said the project has operated smoothly and has initially achieved its intended goal of encouraging tourists to visit neighborhoods beyond major integrated resorts.
The “Leisure Bus Community Exploration Program” was launched in late April as a cross-department initiative involving the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and the city’s six gaming concessionaires.
Authorities said passengers boarded at different designated “Leisure Bus” stops, helping channel visitors to several local districts. The program’s mobile information page also recorded more than 14,000 clicks by the end of May.
Promotional efforts for the program included 11 short videos and 164 social media posts across multiple channels, generating more than 7.48 million views. The materials introduced bus stops, route information, nearby community attractions and related activities.
Officials said public and business feedback has been generally positive, with the program seen as helping bring foot traffic to community areas and support local economic activity. However, some comments also raised concerns over the impact of shuttle operations on traffic and the environment in residential districts.
To improve the service, the government will introduce several adjustments from June 13th. These include adding a Macau-to-Cotai direction to existing routes, after the initial services mainly operated from Cotai to the Macau Peninsula.
The NAPE route, which was previously operated only during the Labor Day holiday, will become a regular weekend service, covering areas including the Macau Grand Prix Museum and the Kun Iam Statue waterfront area.
The Hong Kung Temple route will also start earlier on weekends, shifting from the evening to the afternoon to attract more daytime visitors to Rua dos Ervanários and nearby districts.
Authorities said they will continue to review the program and adjust bus arrangements where necessary.
