Natal, Brazil launches public‑transport concession tender

The municipal government of Natal announced the publication of a new public‑transport concession tender, shifting from a permission‑based model to long‑term contracts. Mayor Paulinho Freire and Mobility Secretary Jódia Melo presented the edital, which includes requirements such as air‑conditioned buses, accessibility features, Wi‑Fi, GPS monitoring and environmental standards.

The concession will run for 15 years, with an estimated total value of R$ 3.853 billion split into two lots. The city plans to subsidise operations with R$ 73 million annually and allocate R$ 18 million for free‑fare and half‑fare benefits. Investments of about R$ 604.2 million are earmarked for fleet renewal and infrastructure, while the passenger fare will remain at R$ 5.20.