Rio de Janeiro expands West Zone bus fleet by 54%

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall has concluded the second phase of the bidding process for the 'Sistema RIO – Rede Integrada de Ônibus', which is set to increase the bus fleet in the city's West Zone by 54%. The total number of vehicles in the regions of Bangu, Campo Grande, Santa Cruz, and Guaratiba will rise from 654 to 1,006.

Companies Jabour and Sancetur won the tender based on the lowest price per kilometer. Jabour secured the lot covering Campo Grande and Guaratiba with a proposal of R$ 10.64 per kilometer. Sancetur won the lots for Santa Cruz and Guaratiba at R$ 10.40 per kilometer, and the Bangu lot at R$ 11.78 per kilometer.

The new concession model grants the public administration more effective control over services. The winning companies will be responsible for purchasing new, accessible vehicles, maintenance, line operations, public garage management, and the implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Operation of the expanded fleet is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.