Manaus approves free public transport on election days

The first round is scheduled for October 4th. If there is a second round, voting will take place on October 25th. The free service will be valid for all passengers, without distinction, on conventional and complementary buses that operate on regular public transport in Manaus.

According to the approved project, there cannot be a reduction in the usual bus supply during the free period. The frequency of the service must be compatible with working days. The broadcast of political or electoral propaganda and the personal promotion of authorities and public servants in the system's vehicles, terminals and equipment are also prohibited.

The proposal was sent by City Hall to the Chamber on an urgent basis. The project cites a decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), in ADPF 1,013, and rules of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) that establish free public urban transport on voting days.

According to the opinion of the Municipal Attorney General's Office (PGM), the obligation to offer free transport on election days arises directly from electoral decisions and rules. Thus, the municipal law approved by the Chamber regulates how the measure is implemented in Manaus and provides for reimbursement to companies.

The project also allows IMMU to define special lines to serve more distant regions, following objective technical criteria and in coordination with the Electoral Court. The proposal also provides that the disclosure of the free service will be limited to information of public interest, such as dates, times and available lines, without personal promotion by public agents.

The City of Manaus estimates a cost of up to R$4.76 million to reimburse transport companies for free use in both shifts.

To calculate the financial impact, City Hall estimated that 951,611 passengers will be transported free of charge in both shifts. The forecast considers average passenger data from the 2020, 2022 and 2024 election years and the current fare of R$5.

In the first round, the estimate is 467,640 passengers, with a cost of R$2.34 million. In the eventual second round, an estimated 483,971 passengers are expected, at a cost of R$2.42 million.

If there is no second round, the estimated expenditure will be R$2.34 million. The amounts will be paid with resources from the Municipal Urban Mobility Fund (FMMU).

Reimbursement to companies will be calculated based on the number of passengers actually transported during the free period. The measurement will be made using the ticketing system and certified by the Municipal Institute of Urban Mobility (IMMU).

The reimbursement amount will be limited to the value of the current public tariff and budget availability. Passengers who are already entitled to free fare or discounts financed by other sources will be deducted from the calculation.