Macao LRT System has three major characteristics: convenience, environmental-friendly and barrier-free. Among them:
Convenience
Automobile is a means of transport that takes considerable public road resources. However, with its exclusive right of way, the Macao LRT System keeps away from the crowded surface road, ensuring that the LRT is by no means affected by road traffic conditions during its operation. Meanwhile, the use of fully automatic train control system can ensure the punctual train service and allow increased train service according to actual needs to facilitate the travel of local residents.
The introduction of the LRT is expected to reduce the number of times when city residents drive their cars or scooters. With the LRT as the major means and bus/taxi as auxiliary means, the integrated public commuting pattern is conducive to enhancing the residents' desire to use public transport for travel, thus alleviating the pressure of road traffic congestion in the long term.
Environmental-friendly
Pollutants and exhaust gas emitted by cars are one of major sources of air pollution in Macau. Furthermore, exhaust gas is one of major sources that cause regional or global warming. Besides its zero emission, electrically propelled Macao LRT System is a kind of green transport which can improve the air quality through reduction of traffic jams. In addition, stations and trains can operate in a more energy-efficient way through proper designs, thus being able to save energy effectively.
Barrier-free
The concept of accessibility has been introduced to provide convenience to the handicapped and elderly when designing various facilities of the Macao LRT System. For example, the elevator with proper height ratio, the lift with voice broadcasting system, warning blind sidewalk, Braille, slope for wheelchairs, and special information system are available to those who need them for more convenient use. As to the platform, besides next stop announcement system, its design also tries to narrow the gap between the platform and the train, making it easy for wheelchair users to get on/off the train. The seat near the train door can be folded to make room for the wheelchair, which can be secured by fixtures under the seat. In this way, needs of different passengers are met and the safety of wheelchair users are ensured.