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Brazilian proposals for free public transportation

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2026-10-21 16:44 UTC → 2026-10-21 19:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has proposed a national policy to provide free public transportation on weekends and holidays across all Brazilian cities. The initiative, to be introduced to Congress via a Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC), aims to facilitate leisure for workers following recent changes to work schedules. Financial estimates for this measure vary widely, with the National Association of Urban Transport projecting an annual cost of R$ 20 billion, while the National Confederation of Municipalities suggests costs could reach between R$ 50 billion and R$ 60 billion. Following this proposal, the Lula campaign has requested that the Supreme Federal Court (STF) mandate free interstate public transportation on the day of the presidential second-round elections. ~~The campaign argues that transport lines connecting neighboring urban areas across state borders should be classified as urban public transport.~~ Critics continue to highlight the fiscal challenges of such policies, with some estimates for a national rollout ranging from R$ 80 billion to R$ 200 billion annually. In a ~~recent~~ formal development, ~~Planning and Budget Minister Bruno Moretti stated~~ the ~~government intends to submit~~ President has submitted the PEC to ~~Congress~~ the National Congress. The proposal seeks to fund the ~~weekend and holiday~~ initiative by ~~reallocating~~ earmarking at least 26.8% of annual mandatory parliamentary ~~amendments. This specific funding mechanism aims~~ amendments—including both individual and caucus amendments—to subsidize the service. Based on 2027 Annual Budget Law projections, which estimate R$ 44.8 billion in mandatory amendments, the government expects to ~~divert a portion of these amendments~~ allocate approximately R$ 11.2 billion to ~~transportation while attempting~~ R$ 12 billion to ~~preserve funds earmarked for healthcare.~~ the states, Federal District, and municipalities. The government ~~expects the full design of~~ maintains the ~~‘zero-fare’ policy, including access rules,~~ measure is intended to be ~~defined via a provisional measure (MP) after~~ “fiscally neutral” and will improve access to work, culture, and leisure, particularly amid discussions regarding the ~~electoral period. Minister Moretti noted that while~~ end of the ~~move may cause friction with Congress,~~ 6x1 work schedule. The proposal now awaits analysis and voting in both the ~~President expects support as it enables constituents to visit relatives. Current estimates for this specific funding approach range between R$ 8 billion~~ Chamber of Deputies and ~~R$ 12 billion.~~ the Senate.

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