Under the Pataca 5.88bn ($US 730m) 80-month contract, wholly-owned MTR subsidiary MTR Operações Ferroviárias (Macau) will be responsible for testing and commissioning, operation of train services, and maintenance of rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure.

The 9.3km 11-station line is due to open next year. The driverless line will use rubber-tyred Crystal Mover APM vehicles supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the operation of Macau’s first railway system and serve the travelling public in Macau,” says MTR CEO Mr Lincoln Leong. “Building on our proven operational expertise in Hong Kong and international markets, we are confident in delivering quality services and contributing to Macau’s railway development.”