Brazil expands VLT and transport projects in Maceió and Salvador

Maceió's light‑rail (VLT) system was upgraded with electronic ticketing integrated into the Vamu Mobilidade card, a restored historic station and the launch of a tourist steam train. The improvements were announced by Deputy Arthur Lira and aim to streamline transfers with buses and boost daily mobility for thousands of riders.

A joint study by BNDES and the Ministry of Cities identified a 42‑km high‑capacity public‑transport corridor for Maceió, estimating investment of R$1.4‑2.08 billion, serving about 260,000 passengers per day, cutting travel time by 7 % and preventing 187 traffic‑related injuries annually. The ENMU report projects broader benefits across Brazil, including job creation, emissions reductions and millions of avoided traffic accidents.

In Salvador, VLT construction includes a 16,996‑meter macro‑drainage network designed to alleviate chronic flooding in the Cidade Baixa and suburban areas. The first VLT segment (Calçada to Lobato) is already operating free of charge, and the full system will extend 43.7 km with 50 stations once completed. Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues highlighted the project as a major step toward better mobility and flood resilience.