Public buses will accept payment via transit codes generated by Alipay users from the mainland and Hong Kong as well as by non-local UnionPay users from next Thursday, and directly-elected lawmaker-cum-unionist Ella Lei Cheng I urged the government yesterday to also offer Light Rail Transit (LRT) users an extra convenience with additional payment choices at LRT entry and exit gates.

Fares using the new payment methods are priced at six patacas per trip as original, without any fare concessions nor discounts for ride transfers.

“We’ve always received feedback from visitors, especially those from the mainland, that they are not able to use the same payment methods for public bus fares in Macau as in the mainland, rendering it inconvenient for them to get on public transport as they do not always have cash on them,” Lei told the Post through WhatsApp, adding that the upcoming additional payment method will be convenient for visitors.

Public buses currently accept e-payment methods comprising Macau Pass, Simple Pay, and local UnionPay QuickPass, with only some TCM and Transmac buses currently accepting Alipay and WeChat Pay as payment methods for bus fares.

In terms of the LRT system, Lei pointed out: “LRT has never made it convenient for its passengers to enter and exit gates for rides, neither for visitors from the mainland and other regions, nor for Macau residents”. With the opening of more LRT lines, in addition to the current acceptance of the Macau Pass and LRT Pass at the LRT gates, shouldn’t it be possible as well to accept additional payment choices such as the payment by mobile phone, she asked.

“We hope that while continuing to follow up on the development of the Light Rail Transit, the government is also encouraging more people to use it, both locals and visitors,” Lei said.

The total fare for a ride comprising all the current 12 LRT stations is 12 patacas, but the fare is halved to just six patacas for LRT Pass and Macau Pass users. 

This file photo taken last year shows Ella Lei Cheng I, directly-elected lawmaker-cum-vice president of the Macau Federation of Trade Unions, talking to the media. – Photo: Yuki Lei

This photo taken on Monday shows the entry and exit gates at the LRT Jockey Club Station’s entrance. – Photo: Tony Wong