São Paulo Court investigates TOP card ticketing irregularities

The Court of Accounts of the State of São Paulo (TCE-SP) has launched an investigation into potential irregularities and financial losses regarding the TOP card, the electronic ticketing system used by the Metrô, CPTM, and EMTU.

The probe follows allegations of conflicts of interest and opaque management models that transferred revenue control from the state to private entities. Specifically, the investigation examines the relationship between the Brazilian Association of Passenger Transport Card Companies (Abasp) and Autopass, the technology manager for the TOP card. Reports indicate that Abasp contracted Autopass without a bidding process, and both entities share shareholders and executives linked to the road transport sector.

While Autopass reported revenues of R$ 220.1 million in 2025, state transport companies Metrô and CPTM have sought R$ 119.5 million in court to recover pending transfers from the former BOM card system. Urban mobility experts warn that the loss of direct management over ticketing has compromised the state's autonomy and its ability to plan and supervise public transport budgets.