Motiva reports decline in total passengers amid surge in elderly ridership

Motiva, the controlling company of the ViaQuatro concessionaire, reported a 2.3% annual decline in total passengers transported during September, with 65.4 million commuters served. This decrease in volume serves as a key metric for the urban mobility operator, potentially impacting revenue projections, infrastructure investment plans, and contract negotiations.

In contrast to the overall decline, there has been a significant demographic shift on the Linha 4-Amarela. The number of passengers aged 60 or older grew by 226% between August 2022 and August 2026. Over the last 12 months, approximately 4.6 million elderly passengers used the line, representing 5.5% of total ridership. This group saw an 11% increase between August 2025 and August 2026.

The Vila Sônia station has become a major hub for this demographic, accounting for 20% of all boardings by passengers over 60 on the line. This growth coincides with the station's full operational integration and the 2023 restoration of free transit benefits for commuters aged 60 to 64.