Rio de Janeiro has officially announced a fare increase for its municipal buses, effective from 0h on Sunday, January 5. The new price will rise from R$ 4.30 to R$ 4.70, as confirmed by Mayor Eduardo Paes on January 2 during a press conference following his re-election. This move is part of the administration's strategy to maintain the sustainability of the city's public transport system amid significant financial pressures.
Mayor Paes explained the rationale behind the increase, citing the necessity to apply the Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo (IPCA) for the period without adjustments. “We are applying the IPCA of the period when there was no increase. It is important to have this annual adjustment culture, so we do not throw the municipal budget out of balance by covering expenses related to public transport, which amount to R$ 1.3 billion this year,” he stated.
The fare adjustment applies not only to buses but also extends to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Vehicle (VLT), and the local complementary transport service referred to as “Cabritinhos.” The last fare hike prior to this increase took effect on January 7, 2023, when the fare rose from R$ 4.05 to R$ 4.30.
During the press conference, attended by the president of the City Council, Carlo Caiado, and vice president Eduardo Cavaliere, Paes emphasized the importance of establishing predictable fare adjustments as part of public transport contracts. “The new fare reflects the guidelines of the concession agreement with the bus companies, which allows for periodic fare reviews based on economic indicators and the sector's financial equilibrium,” he stated.
Alongside the bus fare changes, the city also approved increases for taxi fares. Effective from January 2, the initial taxi flag rate will increase to R$ 6.20, with the daytime fare (bandeira 1) set at R$ 3.65 from 6 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday. The night fare (bandeira 2) will now cost R$ 4.38, applicable during nighttime hours as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
The fare increases appear to be part of Mayor Paes' broader strategy to address financial sustainability for the city's transportation through systematic adjustments and subsidies. For the past four years, since taking office, the Mayor has faced significant expenses related to the city’s transport service, which were not previously accounted for within the municipal budget.
These actions come at a time when residents are already facing rising costs for basic services. The Mayor's office has reiterated its commitment to ensuring reliable public transportation, which is seen as integral to the city's mobility plans.
Despite potential backlash from the public, who might view fare hikes unfavorably during economically challenging times, the administration argues these adjustments are necessary to prevent future fiscal imbalances. The emphasis on maintaining public transport subsidies is particularly important, as the municipal government seeks to alleviate financial strain on users by ensuring the system remains operationally viable.
Paes' remarks on the importance of embracing the culture of annual fare adjustments signal his administration's willingness to face public scrutiny over economic realities. By framing the fare increase as part of broader reforms necessary for sustainability, the city aims to reinforce the public transport network's reliability.
With this most recent adjustment, Rio de Janeiro continues to navigate complex financial waters, balancing the needs for preventative fiscal measures against the potential dissatisfaction from commuters reliant on public transport options. Mayor Paes' re-election and subsequent announcements will shape public transportation policies as they contend with economic realities and aim for service improvements across the board.