The Macao SAR Government has announced a new initiative in collaboration with city’s six concessionaires to introduce shuttle bus services to select communities on the Macau Peninsula on weekends, aiming to facilitate easier access for visitors.
The initiative, titled “Tourism and Leisure Bus Program: Exploring the Charm of Neighborhoods,” will feature three themes, comprising a total of six routes and nine community drop-off points.
The government noted that the initiative will begin with a trial run this Saturday. Suitable stops will be established along the concessionaires’ existing shuttle bus routes as they pass through these neighborhoods, covering areas such as the North District, NAPE (Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior), the Central and South District, Rua dos Ervanarios and the Barra District.
All six concessionaires will be included, with departure points located at various resorts rather than at the border. There will be only one to two departures per day.
The route themes are titled “Relaxing Holiday Tour,” “Gastronomic Time Machine” and “Fun Weekend Stroll.”
“Relaxing Holiday Tour” will be launched during the Labor Day holiday from 29 April to 5 May in conjunction with community activities during the holiday period. The route passes through ZAPE and Rua dos Ervanários.
“Gastronomic Time Machine” will be offered on weekends from 25 April to 26 July, connecting the distinctive cuisines of different communities to attract visitors to experience local food culture. The route covers the North District, the San Kio District, the Patane Market and the Pagode do Bazar Night Market.
“Fun Weekend Stroll” will also be offered on weekends from 25 April to 26 July with a focus on exploring community leisure spots and fun experiences. The route passes through the Barra District and Anim’arte Nam Van.
The government noted that the program covers over a thousand businesses along the route. By extending shuttle bus drop-off points to various Macau neighborhoods, it hopes to guide visitors deeper into these communities. Combined with diverse local events such as the Labor Day holidays, the Barra Slow Festival and the Pagode do Bazar Night Market, this may also attract more visitors and further boost the local economy.
Regarding the plan, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) stated that it explicitly requires all shuttle buses entering communities to refrain from displaying any gambling-related content “to convey a healthy and diverse image of Macau tourism.”
