In recent years, with the advancement of the vehicle circulation plan between Macau and Guangdong province, as well as the Greater Bay Area, the demand for transport across the border has become increasingly frequent. To facilitate these trips, the Guangdong Provincial Government and Macau’s Transport Services Bureau (DSAT) signed an agreement last year to gradually open cross-border bus services and introduce taxi services between Guangdong and Macau. This system not only aims to improve cross-border land transport services but also facilitates the movement of residents and tourists between the two regions, an important measure to promote the integration of residents into the development of the Greater Bay Area Cooperation Zone.
However, the existing cross-border buses have limited capacity. With the rising number of cross-border passengers, the current number of buses can barely meet the demand. The introduction of quotas for cross-border buses and taxis could, to some extent, alleviate the pressure on border traffic and significantly reduce waiting times. Yet, more than a year after the signing of the agreement, the implementation of the relevant policies and the details of the quota allocation arrangements have still not been disclosed. Based on available online information, there is a lack of clarity regarding the application requirements and allocation procedures, a passive stance that creates further uncertainty for companies wishing to apply. The lack of transparency in policy implementation and information dissemination seriously affects social justice and diminishes the public’s trust in the government.
Therefore, authorities should promptly make public the latest developments regarding the quota arrangements for cross-border bus and taxi services between Guangdong and Macau, and proactively announce all the details of the plan in order to address public concerns and uncertainties. The DSAT has indicated in media interviews that the number of quotas for buses and taxis will be discussed in more detail in the future, but many interested businesses would like to prepare in advance to take advantage of this opportunity.
Recently, several licensed vehicles have been operating without any information being disclosed, and details regarding the qualifications of these vehicles and whether the drivers are local are also vague. The lack of transparency in this information can create gray areas that undermine social fairness. In light of this, authorities should take the matter seriously and release relevant information about these vehicles in a timely manner, rather than making decisions without explanation. Furthermore, regarding the bidding process for cross-border commercial transport companies, authorities should consult various sectors of the community on the agreements related to evaluation conditions as soon as possible. This will help address the strong public demand while ensuring fairness, openness, and impartiality in a competitive environment. All of this is crucial to maintaining the economic vitality of Macau and balancing the development needs of local businesses.
Macau Civil Service Workers Association
