Are we ready?

The economy is improving, unemployment is low, casinos are reporting increased patronage, but are we ready for Summer? The business of tourism becomes incredibly intense in the Summer across the globe but are we ready to receive increased tourism here in Macau, especially on our beaches?
Public transportation is becoming more complicated by the day. As the weather improves and the temperature climbs, more people are travelling to the beaches of Coloane. Since the recent removal of Bus 25 to both Cheoc Van and Hac Sa Beach, the remaining bus routes are becoming very unpleasant for passengers. Often, passengers are packed to capacity or potentially over in some cases, when you can visibly see people pushing onto the bus and the driver is unable to even close the door.
Transportation that runs to the beaches, at this time, are 15, 21A and 26A. On weekends and holidays, it is common that these buses are full long before they reach the end of the line destinations during peak daytime hours. The Dragon Boat Race holiday weekend was almost unbearable for tourists and residents alike.
I continue to find it odd that the DSAT removed Bus 25 from circulation just before the Summer holidays. People often flock to Macau’s beautiful beaches but I grow concerned that lack of transportation options may soon tarnish the appeal for residents and tourists to visit. In such a high season, I would have guessed that transport methods would be increased to accommodate the volume. Many international cities have additional bus or train transportation during peak hours or days; alas, this is not something that Macau is offering at this time.
Parking is also a major woe for visitors to Coloane. There is limited parking at the beaches and surrounding parks. Often, all metered parking is completely full by mid-day on both weekends and holidays leaving visitors to park at their own risk in residential areas that are frequently patrolled by police issuing tickets.
We must think of the best transportation options for our city. We want to be held in high regard by Summer tourists. As an international city targeting revenue beyond gaming, highlighting our incredible natural resources during the Summer should be a high priority. We should be accommodating and make transportation easy.
Will the DSAT reconsider the Bus 25 route so soon after removing it? The answer remains to be seen – meanwhile, I ask you to ponder: are we logistically ready for the Summer?