Brazilian municipalities adjust free public transport programs

The city of Caucaia in Ceará renewed its public‑transport concession with the company Vitória for another ten years, guaranteeing that the municipal free‑fare program Passe Livre will continue. Acting mayor Priscila Menezes announced the renewal on 15 June and said the municipality has forwarded a bill to the city council to codify the benefit into law, giving it permanent legal backing. Caucaia, with about 356 thousand residents, is the largest Brazilian city offering completely free public transport.

In São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, the municipal council approved a reform that ends the universal zero‑fare system for non‑residents. The new model retains free rides for city residents, students, seniors over 60, public‑sector employees and vulnerable groups, while charging a R$ 5 fare to others. The measure, set to take effect on 15 July after mayor Tite Campanella’s signature, aims to address a rapid rise in daily ridership—from 20 thousand to 80 thousand passengers—and the resulting decline in service quality. Officials forecast annual savings of about R$ 15 million.