New bus service hits the road

From Macau Business 1.8.2011

Macau’s revamped public bus service started operations today.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of a third operator – Reolian – to the previous two, Trasmac and TCM.

The three operators will get around MOP4.7 billion (US$588 million) from the government over the course of the next seven years to run their services.

MOP1.64 billion will go to Reolian, in-charge of running 26 routes. Transmac, serving 21 routes, will get MOP2.33 billion, while TCM will get MOP811 million to service 13 routes.

The money collected from bus fares will be handed to the government.
One of the issues that can impact operations is the lack of drivers. The current drivers will have to work extra-hours until training of new drivers is completed.