On Monday morning, April 28, 2025, a sudden bus stoppage in São Paulo's North Zone caused significant disruptions for commuters relying on the Sambaíba bus company. The incident began around 3:50 AM when buses scheduled to depart from the garage on Rua Maria Amália Lopes de Azevedo were delayed for nearly two hours, only resuming service at approximately 5:45 AM.
This unexpected halt affected 39 bus lines, leading to long queues and frustration among passengers trying to reach key destinations such as Terminal Santana and the Metrô Jabaquara. Among the most impacted routes were the 106A/10, which connects Santana to Itaim Bibi, and the 175T/10, which runs from Santana to the Jabaquara Metro station. Both lines experienced extended wait times, exacerbating the morning commute for many.
According to SPTrans, the municipal transportation authority, the stoppage was the result of actions taken by union members protesting against alleged unfair labor practices. Reports indicated that the workers were unhappy about unauthorized deductions from their pay and issues related to overtime compensation due to a new payment application implemented by the company.
Adamo Bazani, a transport journalist, noted that representatives from the workers' union stated that the stoppage was a response to these grievances. The union claimed that the decision to halt operations was made unilaterally by a director within the union, catching both the company and the workers off guard. Sambaíba later issued a statement expressing surprise at the situation, emphasizing that they were not directly involved in the decision to stop services.
As a consequence of the delays, SPTrans announced that Sambaíba would face penalties for the disruption. The agency plans to file a police report regarding the incident, citing the importance of maintaining essential public transport services without prior notice to the affected population.
The Secretary of Urban Mobility and Transport (SMT) conveyed their disappointment regarding the impact on commuters, stating, "It is regrettable that the public is harmed without the provision of essential service and without any prior warning." This sentiment echoed the frustrations of many passengers who rely on these bus lines for their daily commutes.
By approximately 5:45 AM, operations at the Sambaíba garage began to normalize, and buses were gradually released to serve the 39 affected routes. However, it was clear that the ramifications of the stoppage would be felt throughout the morning as commuters adjusted to the delays.
Many passengers expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from both the bus company and the union. Social media channels lit up with complaints, as frustrated riders shared their experiences waiting for buses that were significantly delayed. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better communication and contingency planning in the face of labor disputes.
As of late morning, the situation was still stabilizing, with SPTrans monitoring the progress of the bus services. They assured the public that they were working closely with Sambaíba to rectify the issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between labor rights and the provision of essential public services. As the city continues to grow and evolve, ensuring reliable transportation will remain a critical concern for both the authorities and the citizens of São Paulo.
In the wake of the disruptions, commuters are urged to stay updated on bus schedules and service changes through official channels. SPTrans and Sambaíba are expected to provide further information as operations return to normal.
