Tarifa Zero campaign launches platform to track 2026 election candidates

A new digital platform has been launched by the Bancada da Tarifa Zero campaign to monitor and demand public commitments from political candidates regarding free public transportation during the 2026 elections. The tool, supported by the organization BONDE, allows voters to message candidates via Instagram and track which individuals have signed a formal commitment to defend the 'Tarifa Zero' (Zero Fare) policy.

More than 100 candidates from 10 different political parties across 16 Brazilian states and the Federal District have already committed to the cause. Notable figures involved in the movement include Nabil Bonduki, Jilmar Tatto, Sâmia Bomfim, and Luiza Erundina, who is recognized as a pioneer of the movement in Brazil.

The initiative follows growing momentum for free transit in over 150 Brazilian cities. Economic research from Cedeplar/UFMG suggests that implementing Zero Fare could yield an economic return of R$ 3.89 for every R$ 1 invested by the government, noting that current transit costs can consume approximately 19% of low-income household earnings.