Brazil implements free public transport for 2026 election second round

Various Brazilian states have announced free public transportation measures to facilitate voter movement during the second round of the 2026 elections on October 25.

In Bahia, the state government has extended free travel for intercity buses, metropolitan buses, ferry boats, small boats, and the Salvador metro. Intercity bus benefits run from the evening of Friday, October 23, until noon on Monday, October 26. Metro services in Salvador and Lauro de Freitas will be free from Saturday through Sunday. Voters must present an official ID and their voter registration (e-Título) to access these services.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the Department of Autonomous Roads (Daer) has regulated free long-distance intercity transport. This benefit is valid from 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, until 8:00 AM on Monday, October 26. Passengers must travel between their place of residence and their electoral domicile. In Porto Alegre, municipal buses and the Trensurb metro will also offer free passage, though municipal bus users do not need to present a voter card.

In Maranhão, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-MA) ordered the state government to ensure free ferry and bus services between São Luís and the Baixada Maranhense region. The court mandated that service levels must remain at least equal to standard business days to ensure voters can travel to and from their polling stations.