The first section of the revitalization works of the Santa Teresa tram system, on the Paula Mattos branch, was inaugurated on a trial basis. Starting this Wednesday (28), the route between Largo dos Guimarães and the Ernani Agrícola Health Center began, from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 9 am, only for residents, who have free boarding.
With an investment of around R$70 million, the revitalization works on the tram system began in January of this year.
The interventions meet a long-standing demand from the population, who have been waiting for the Paula Mattos and Silvestre branches to be reopened for over ten years. “It is a joy to make this delivery. Today marks 13 years since the accident that killed six people here. I have no doubt that the people of Santa Teresa benefit greatly, as does tourism. With the inauguration of this branch, we chose to serve those who live here, who need to leave here to work, who depend on the tram to get home and go to the doctor,” said Governor Cláudio Castro.
Around 40,000 people living in Santa Teresa will benefit from the revitalization of the route. In July, around 67,000 people boarded the tram. Currently, work is underway on two branches and the next one to be opened is the Silvestre, which connects the Bondinho do Cristo and Santa Teresa.
The Secretary of Transportation and Urban Mobility, Washington Reis, stated that this moment symbolizes a new chapter in the history of the tram. “We are talking about a wait of more than ten years. The operation of this section will be essential to serve both those who work at the station and those who need to go there to receive care. We will continue to move forward to deliver the original route to the population, all the way to Silvestre”, he highlighted.
On the eve of the anniversary of this means of transport, which will turn 128 next Sunday (1st), many changes are already visible. In addition to the increase in the professional staff, which since April has had 34 new employees (16 drivers, 16 assistants and two supervisors), more than a thousand meters of the permanent way and the overhead network have already been completely renovated.
