Federal deputies Tarcísio Motta (PSOL-RJ) and Bibo Nunes (PL-RS) debated, during the CNN Arenaif possible free public transport, the so-called zero fare, across the country is a matter of social justice or a threat to public finances.
With estimates indicating on a national scale, the proposal raises questions about funding sources and financial sustainability. Currently, several cities already have public subsidies to reduce fares, in addition to transportation vouchers shared between workers and employers.
Economic and social impacts
Bibo Nunes, opposed to the implementation of the zero tariff, states that the measure is completely electoral and welfare-friendly, because, according to him, the current government “gives fish, but does not teach how to fish, giving Vale Gás, Pé-de-Meia and Bolsa Família… because the left depends on the poorest”.
According to Nunes, the measure would still generate fewer jobs in Brazil, as the government would not have the R$90 billion per year needed to implement the project and would charge more fees from the richer population, causing Brazil to have less economic development.
Tarcísio Motta, supporter of the measure, argued that free public transport would allow workers to “use transport money to buy food and other items, which would move the economy, generate taxes and revenue, making the country grow”.
The current financing model, based exclusively on the tariff paid by users, is considered unsustainable. Motta highlights problems such as overcrowding and poor service, arguing that a new management model could improve the quality of transport.
Municipal experiences
Some Brazilian cities have already implemented zero fares in their public transport systems, with mixed results. came close to becoming the first capital to fully adopt the measure, demonstrating that the debate transcends ideological positions and has generated practical experiences in different urban contexts.
