Petrópolis faces transport crisis as Turp fleet is reduced

The public transportation system in Petrópolis is facing a severe crisis following the expansion of municipal intervention over the operator Turp. The measure, which became total on September 17, follows a period of partial intervention and the judicial removal of 32 buses due to failed inspections.

UNITA (Unidos por Itaipava) has warned that the reduction in the fleet will directly impact travel in various districts, including Petrópolis, Águas Lindas, and Posse. The entity noted that suspending or absorbing lines like 670, 672, 719, and 70 will lead to overcrowding on remaining trunk lines, as passenger demand is simply transferred to a smaller fleet.

The Movimento Petrópolis 2030, representing institutions responsible for 100,000 jobs, stated that the decade-long crisis is now actively harming the local economy, affecting commerce, industry, and services by hindering worker commutes and consumer movement.

Meanwhile, the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) has criticized the administrative inertia regarding the bidding process for transport lines and has filed legal actions against Turp, including a request for the termination of the concessionaire's contract.