Users can now book a ride in Macau or the mainland with a single tap on the Amap app, utilizing various e-wallets, including MPay and Alipay. Additionally, MPay users with a Macau phone number can access a ride-hailing mini-program within the platform, offering a one-stop solution for booking and payments.
Established in 2002, Amap is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group and is integrated with the e-commerce ecosystem of Alibaba Group. In 2022, AGTech Holdings Limited, an Alibaba affiliate, acquired Macau Pass for HKD778 million and has since then carried out efforts to integrate the system with its mainland and overseas counterparts.
Since 2023, Amap has introduced features like “Greater Bay Area Integrated Navigation,” lane-level navigation, AI traffic light guidance, and tunnel navigation tailored to Macau’s urban infrastructure, so as to improve the driving experience in the region.
In Macau, there are two types of taxi service available: black taxis and red and blue taxis from the Macau Radio Taxi Service, with just one app, MaasPlus, allowing you to hail a taxi by radio. While many ride-hailing options such as Didi exist in the mainland, such services have not yet been allowed by Macau authorities.
Amap has now announced it partnered with Macau’s initial group of traditional taxi operators, known as “black cabs”, developing an app featuring multi-language interfaces, real-time route planning, and electronic payment options, addressing common cross-border travel issues such as SIM card switching, payment difficulties, and communication barriers.
The map platform also includes public transport services in all of Macau, integrating various travel modes such as buses, walking, and cycling to facilitate accurate time and distance calculations for intercity travel. It also includes comprehensive services for hotel bookings, food group purchases, and attraction ticket sales, creating a complete travel service system.
“Amap plans to continue expanding its services through technological advancements and ecosystem partnerships, further enhancing digital mobility in Macau and the Greater Bay Area”, the company added.
