SUMMARY
Urban violence has severely impacted public transportation in Brazil, particularly in the largest cities of the country. Frequent conflicts between security forces and criminal groups lead to regular service disruptions, causing widespread fear and uncertainty among passengers and workers. This violence not only hampers urban mobility but also drives users away, worsening traffic congestion and pollution. While similar challenges exist across Latin America, Brazil’s situation is particularly alarming due to the intensity of the conflicts and their profound impact on daily life, highlighting a critical issue that resonates throughout the country, hampering daily routines and increasing risks for people and businesses.
Violence and Public Transportation
Public transportation is essential for the mobility of millions, particularly in large urban centers such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These systems are the lifeblood of daily commuting, facilitating access to work, education, and essential services. However, in recent years, escalating urban violence has increasingly disrupted these services, posing a significant challenge to maintaining the safety and efficiency of public transportation. Shootings and clashes between security forces and criminal groups have created an environment of fear and unpredictability, often catching passengers and workers in the crossfire. This has severely compromised the reliability of these services, with frequent interruptions causing delays and uncertainty, which disrupt the daily routines of those who rely on public transportation.
The impact of violence on public transportation extends beyond immediate safety concerns, undermining public confidence and pushing people toward alternative modes of transport. This shift not only affects urban mobility but also exacerbates broader societal issues, such as increased traffic congestion and environmental pollution. For businesses, frequent disruptions translate into lost productivity as employees struggle with delays, route changes, or complete halts in service. This unpredictability affects attendance, meeting deadlines, and operational efficiency, increasing costs as companies invest in alternative solutions. Furthermore, the constant threat of violence affects the mental well-being of commuters, as the daily stress of navigating through dangerous areas takes a toll on their quality of life.
Rio de Janeiro
Urban violence in Brazil has had a profound and disruptive impact on public transportation in Rio de Janeiro. In August, recent episodes of violence in the Chapadão Complex, in the northern part of the city, offer an alarming example of this reality. During an operation in the Chapadão Complex, one of the leaders of the Red Command criminal gang was killed, triggering a violent response that included the hijacking of nine buses, which were used to block streets and hinder police action. This type of incident has interrupted the operation of several bus lines, causing significant disruption to passengers and generating a cascade effect on urban mobility, since the vehicles were left across the streets, making it impossible for other buses to pass, but also for cars and motorcycles.
On the same day, in Belford Roxo, Baixada Fluminense, two buses were set on fire on Avenida Automóvel Clube. The road connects the city of Belford Roxo to São João de Meriti and the city of Rio de Janeiro, where the buses were hijacked. The action took place after a Military Police operation in the Guacha favela, where three people were arrested. These incidents are emblematic of the risks faced daily by those who depend on public transportation.
Rio Ônibus, the union of bus companies in the city of Rio, has counted 147 buses hijacked and used as barricades in the last 12 months. The Federation of Mobility Companies of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Semove) reported that this year only, 15 buses were set on fire, and the accumulated losses from this type of crime have already exceeded R$62 million. For transportation companies, each bus set on fire represents an average cost of R$900,000, in addition to a period of up to six months to replace the vehicle. This financial impact, added to the losses caused by the interruption of services, directly affects the population, who find themselves without alternative means of transportation.
In October 2023, at least 35 buses and a train were set on fire in Rio de Janeiro in response to the death of Matheus da Silva Rezende, known as Faustão, one of the leaders of the state’s largest militia. Eight neighborhoods were affected, and several roads were closed. This was the day with the most buses set on fire in the city’s history, according to Rio Ônibus.
Others Major Brazilian Cities
The violence also impacts other modes of transportation, such as the rail system. Also in August, passengers on the CPTM (Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos) in São Paulo experienced moments of panic when they heard an alleged shooting while they were on board a train. The fear generated by the possible exchange of gunfire led people to lie down on the floor of the carriages, seeking protection. Although no one was injured, the incident reflects the climate of insecurity that permeates public transportation in the country, where even the use of trains, considered relatively safe, is not immune to violence.
In other states, such as Bahia, the scenario is not much different. In Salvador, after a shooting in the neighborhood of Pernambués in August, buses stopped running, forcing the population to seek other forms of transportation. In June, in Águas Claras, almost 20 bus lines were affected after the suspension of operations at the local terminal, which led to a collapse in the region’s transportation system. These incidents illustrate how violence can quickly destabilize public transportation, leaving thousands of people without access to essential services.
In the Federal District, the persistent sense of insecurity on public transportation is evident as users and workers frequently report fears of robberies, assaults, and other forms of violence. This widespread fear has led many to avoid public transit in favor of private vehicles or ride-sharing apps, exacerbating traffic congestion in urban areas. In October 2023, bus drivers and ticket collectors went on strike demanding better safety measures following the murder of ticket collector Ariel Santos Marques, 26, who was shot in the head on the bus. This incident was the third of its kind in less than a month.
Decline in Public Transport Usage
Efforts to mitigate the impact of violence on public transportation have involved various strategies by authorities. Increased police operations in critical areas aim to prevent and manage violent incidents, while investments in security infrastructure, such as enhanced lighting and fortified bus depots, seek to create safer environments for both passengers and staff. Technology plays a significant role as well, with surveillance cameras and advanced alert systems deployed to monitor high-risk areas and provide real-time data to law enforcement. These technologies help quickly identify and address threats, reducing disruptions caused by violent incidents.
According to data from the 2023-2024 edition of the Yearbook by the National Association of Urban Transport Companies (NTU), despite ongoing efforts, Brazil’s public transportation system has experienced a dramatic decline in ridership over the past decade. In April 2013, approximately 381 million people used buses, but by April 2023, this number had dropped to 204 million, marking a 46% decrease. Comparing October 2013 to October 2023, ridership fell by 44%, from 398.9 million to 223 million passengers. This equates to an average loss of 19.1 million fewer daily passengers in 2023 compared to 2014. A survey by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) on urban mobility highlighted that safety is a key factor that could encourage more use of public transport. The survey found that 20% of respondents cited increased safety as a decisive factor for choosing public transport in large cities.
To address these challenges and improve safety and service continuity, it is recommended to develop secure alternative routes for buses and trains, enhance collaboration between security agencies and transport operators, and invest in robust crisis management systems. For tailored advice and strategic solutions in security management, our consultancy services are available to provide expert guidance and support.
Broader Context: Latin American
Urban violence affecting public transportation is not unique to Brazil; similar challenges are prevalent throughout Latin America, reflecting a concerning regional trend. In cities like Rosario and Guayaquil, conflicts between security forces and criminal groups have heightened insecurity in public transport systems.
In March, the city of Rosario—known for having the highest homicide rate in Argentina—came to a standstill in protest against escalating violence. The catalyst for the mobilization was the murder of a bus driver and a taxi driver the previous week. In response, workers from various sectors, including transportation and services, partially or fully suspended their activities, halting bus services and significantly disrupting the city’s routine. Rosario’s growing crime rate is largely attributed to drug trafficking factions that have gained control of the region.
In Guayaquil, Ecuador, escalating violence driven by drug trafficking gangs such as Los Choneros and Los Lobos has led to widespread control of the city’s streets and public spaces. Public transportation, particularly buses and taxis, has been severely impacted by extortion and violent threats. Drivers are often targeted by gangs demanding protection payments. Those who refuse to comply face the risk of being killed. This rampant violence has paralyzed public transportation in several areas, contributing to widespread fear and insecurity. The growing influence of these criminal organizations has disrupted essential services, including public transport, and destabilized daily life in the city.
These examples highlight how violence and insecurity significantly disrupt public transportation systems across Latin America, reflecting broader regional challenges. The consequences, such as increased fear among commuters and disruptions to essential services, have a profound impact on urban mobility and daily life.
