Rio de Janeiro announces free transport for Enem students

The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Cavaliere, has announced free municipal public transportation for students participating in the National High School Exam (Enem) in November 2026. The measure, following negotiations with Councilwoman Maíra do MST and various student movements, aims to assist approximately 150,000 students from both public and private schools.

To access the benefit on the exam days (November 8 and 15), students must link their CPF to the JaÉ ticketing system app. The city will provide a R$ 10 credit for each exam Sunday to facilitate round-trip travel. The initiative represents an investment of approximately R$ 3 million by the Municipal Secretariat of Transport.

Proponents of the policy state that eliminating transportation costs is essential for reducing educational inequality and removing barriers for low-income students seeking higher education. The program is viewed as a mechanism to encourage youth participation in universities by addressing urban mobility challenges.