Today, the zero rate is one of the strongest debates in Brazil regarding mobility and social justice. The idea is to guarantee free public transportation as a social right, at the level of education and health. Its journey is long and full of social struggles, political resistance and successful experiences, which today number 9 million Brazilians. gilmar tattoo, Federal Representative of Brazil W lafayette nevis, Doctor of economics and university professor, explains in detail the zero rate project in Brazil.
The first experiment with zero tariffs in Brazil emerged in the 1990s, from the country’s largest city, São Paulo, with a population of 12 million in the city and 22 million in the metropolitan area, and then-mayor Luisa Erundina sent a project to the municipal chamber to implement zero tariffs. The project failed due to pressure from transportation businessmen, but it became a historical landmark.
2013 outbreak
In 2013, Brazil witnessed One of the largest mobilizations of the 21st century. The outbreak began due to increased bus fares in São Paulo and spread to all major cities. This massive rebellion reintroduced the zero interest rate as a popular demand and managed to prevent companies from achieving the increase.
Authoritarians don’t like this
The practice of professional and critical journalism is an essential pillar of democracy. This is why it bothers those who believe they are the bearers of the truth.
In 2022, federal representative and PT Vice President Gilmar Tatu, former Minister of Transport of São Paulo, created the Single Ticket, which allowed residents to pay a single fare and travel on several modes of transport during a certain period. This system demonstrated that changing structures and reducing costs was possible, paving the conceptual ground for the zero interest rate.
Brazil launches an air-to-air missile for the first time
Constitutional Amendment No. 90 of 2015
In 2015, Federal Representative Luisa Irondina gained approval for Constitutional Amendment No. 90, which amended Article 6 of the Federal Constitution of Brazil.
since then, Transportation has become a social right, along with education, health, housing and security. This opened the legal door to requesting free transportation throughout the country.
In an interview with Fontificia modeLafayette Neves, Doctor of Economics and Advisor to the Mobility and Urban Planning Council of Brazil, emphasizes that the Constitution speaks of the right of every citizen to come and go throughout the national territory and when transportation depends on the user’s pocket, millions are deprived of this right.
“In many big cities, 30% of the population has to walk because they cannot afford a ticket,” he said.
There are 138 cities with a zero rating
Even before there was a national law, municipalities began to go it alone. Today there are between 138 and 140 Brazilian cities with a zero rating, among them:
- Marica, in Rio de Janeiro, is a large city with a strong system and public company.
- Paraná cities such as Rio Branco do Sul, Almirante Tamandari, Paranagua and Matinhos. Fortaleza metropolitan area.
- Teresina is a notable case because the zero rate includes the metro.
Other cities combine free buses, trains and even river transport. In total, more than 6 million Brazilians already live with free transportation.
Today, the zero rate is one of the strongest debates in Brazil regarding mobility and social justice. The idea is to guarantee free public transportation as a social right, at the level of education and health. Its journey is long and full of social struggles, political resistance and successful experiences, which today number 9 million Brazilians. gilmar tattoo, Federal Representative of Brazil W lafayette nevis, Doctor of economics and university professor, explains in detail the zero rate project in Brazil.
Jair Bolsonaro admitted he tried to burn his anklet due to a drug-induced episode of “paranoia”.
The tripartite system of amendment 25/23
Funding is the main point of discussion. The proposals include: The tripartite system (PEC 25/23) promoted by Luisa Erundina which is being processed in Congress. The global free system will be funded by the federal, state and municipal governments. It will also have social control on the model of SUS (Unified Health System).
Federal MP and Labor Party Vice-President Gilmar Tautou, author of the book “Zero Funny, Going Off is Not a New Idea,” has presented a draft in which he proposes that employers contribute a fixed monthly amount for each worker to the National Mobility Fund.
“In São Paulo, which has 900,000 formal workers, a contribution of R$100 per month will generate R$90 million per month, which is enough to cover the entire current system,” he noted.
Tatu also confirms that other potential sources of funding are fines, taxes on private vehicles, parliamentary amendments and designated funds.
Economic, social and environmental benefits
The Deputy Chairman of the Labor Party explains that studies and real experiences in municipalities where the zero rate has become a reality show that local companies increase their sales between 25% and 30%. Money previously spent on tickets goes back into circulation in the economy.
Barriers to going to the doctor, studying, looking for work or visiting family are removed. People reclaim the city and can enjoy the parks, squares, culture and opportunities.
Fewer cars means less pollution and less traffic jams. Fewer accidents, less public health spending.
Political challenge, will and social pressure
He is familiar with the political struggle and challenge. Lafayette Nieves, author of Zero Tariffs, from Decades of Struggle to Positive Dreams. It is recommended as a guide to accompany the path towards free tickets and to learn the history behind this movement.
Although this concept is widely accepted, many candidates and mayors avoid committing to a zero rate. Social movements insist on a clear slogan: “Do not vote for candidates who do not defend the zero rate.”
In Brazil, zero is no longer a utopia. It is a project with a history, legal basis, economic feasibility and concrete experiences in 138 cities.
These municipalities have shown that it is possible, and all we need is the political will so that the right of coming and going, guaranteed in the Constitution, becomes a reality for all Brazilians.