Brazil's Mixed Budget Commission Approves Public Hearings on Free Transit Funding

The Mixed Budget Commission (CMO) of Brazil's National Congress voted symbolically on June 23 to approve a request by deputy Jilmar Tatto (PT‑SP) for a public hearing on financing the "tarifa zero" free‑fare urban transport system. The hearing will invite representatives from the ministries of Finance, Cities and the Casa Civil to discuss funding models, fiscal impacts and municipal experiences.

In the same session the CMO approved 23 public hearings for the 2026 work plan, inviting ministers from portfolios including Sports, Environment, Defense, Industry, Energy, Agriculture and Education to debate funding for their areas. Additional topics will cover early childhood education financing, the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the National Scientific and Technological Development Fund (FNDCT), labor court staffing and measures to strengthen the agro‑industrial sector, with a specific focus on Embrapa.

Deputy Tatto warned that "the financing model for the transport system is failed" and argued that free‑fare policies could reduce social inequality, curb private vehicle use and aid climate goals.