The government of São Paulo announced today (27) that public transport by rail and also by metropolitan bus will be free on Sunday (30), election day. The measure, according to the government, will apply to the São Paulo Metro, the trains of Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM), the buses of the Metropolitan Company of Urban Transport (EMTU) and also for intercity buses throughout the state.
The measure, according to the government, will cost the public coffers R$ 11.5 million.
“Sunday is the day of democracy, so it is fair that everyone has access to public transport and can vote with equal conditions. Therefore, free turnstile”, said the governor of São Paulo, Rodrigo Garcia.
This week, the mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes, announced free of charge for city buses that circulate in the capital of São Paulo. Transportation will be free on any line from 6 am to 8 pm. Passengers will board through the back door.
These initiatives are based on the decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) that free public transport in the second round of elections. The decision allows mayors and governors who adopt the measure not to be held responsible for administrative impropriety or electoral crime.
On Sunday will be held the second round of presidential elections in Brazil. On that same day, voters from the state of São Paulo will choose their next governor.
