The MPSP (Public Ministry of São Paulo) opened a inquiry to investigate train lines operated by Via Mobilidade in the capital of São Paulo. Problems are being investigated on lines 8 (Diamond) and 9 (Emerald).
The document establishing the investigation, signed by the prosecutor’s office on April 30, says that the “constant derailments and irregularities committed demonstrate a lack of investment in
Furthermore, the body determines a possible omission in the supervision carried outwhich may indicate irregularities in the execution of concession contracts.
In August 2023, a TAC (Conduct Adjustment Term) was signed so that the concessionaire paid R$ 150 million and anticipated R$ 636 thousand for two years to improve the provision of services on lines 8 and 9. According to the MP, the failures caused recently indicate that the TAC is not being properly complied with.
“Considering that the TAC does not entail any immunity for the concessionaire, especially if accidents and serious incidents occur, such as derailments and train collisions. […] Considering that the investigation deserves to be in-depth and the facts may constitute, in theory, irregularities that constitute material and oral damage to the State”, says the document.
Despite not being part of the investigation, the responsible promoter also lists problems that have already occurred on lines 5 (lilac) and 17 (gold), also operated by Via Mobilidade.
According to the document, a confidential complaint sent to the Ombudsman’s Office says that the lines operated by the concessionaire have already had following failures:
- constant delays and long gaps between trains, even at peak times;
- power and signaling failures, which cause stoppages and overcrowding at stations;
- lack of maintenance on tracks generating insecurity, evacuation of passengers at night and concentrating everyone on crowded trains;
- use of the system for commercial purposes or events, such as internal and external advertisements using a deactivated station, compromising the normal operation and travel of passengers on lines 8 and 9, and using a train, which should serve the population for the Vogue fashion show;
- insufficient number of trains at peak times to save on maintenance;
- abandoned and scrapped trains in the Presidente Altino yard, causing a waste of public money.
The MP gives the deadline for 15 days for the dealership to provide clarificationinform what caused the incident, what measures were taken to correct it and inform new actions adopted so that accidents on both lines are prevented.
Wanted by CNN BrazilVia Mobilidade stated that it “remains at the disposal of the authorities to provide all necessary clarifications”. “The dealership reiterates its commitment to the quality of services provided to customers”, says the note.
The body also determined that Artesp responds within 15 days with information about a train derailment on line 9, “in particular about Artesp’s investigations regarding the reasons for the incident and the measures actually taken”; whether an administrative procedure was initiated to investigate the facts and apply penalties against Via Mobilidade, and whether Via Mobilidade presented plans to prevent new accidents.
The report also contacted Artesp and is awaiting a response. The space is open.
*Under the supervision of Rafael Saldanha
