The São Paulo Metropolitan Transport Department (STM) fined ViaMobilidade, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 8-Diamante and 9-Esmeralda lines of metropolitan trains, by over R$3.6 million. As a result, the total penalties for non-compliance with the contract are R$7.9 million.
According to STM, the concession contract includes a series of obligations and duties to guarantee performance in the sector that, when not fulfilled, imply the application of penalties. In March of this year, STM had already fined the consortium R$ 4.3 million, after the initiation of sanctioning administrative proceedings, due to non-compliance with operational procedures and interruption of service provision. The concessionaire presented its defense within the stipulated period, which is being analyzed by the secretariat.
“Now, repeated failure episodes, called notable incidents, underwent administrative analysis at the STM and generated new fines for ViaMobilidade. Some examples of failures are the opening of doors on the opposite side of the platform, disrespect for road signs and contractual issues related to the operation”, STM informed in a note. This year alone, 28 line failures were recorded.
The concession for ViaMobilidade started in a shared way with Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) on December 27, 2021 and fully with the concessionaire as of January 27, 2022. The concession is for 30 years, foresees investments of R$ 3.8 billion, including the purchase of 36 new trains.
ViaMobilidade was contacted, but did not respond to inquiries.
