São Paulo Congestion Pricing

On July 6, 2007, a record 201 kilometers (125 miles) of roads were congested in São Paulo, Brazil, up from the daily average of 164 km (101 miles). With a population of 19 million and the number of motor vehicles in use growing by 10% a year, São Paulo suffers from terrible air quality, numerous traffic deaths and injuries, and millions of hours of lost productivity as car drivers and public transport users alike sit in monumental traffic jams.

The city already has restrictions on automobile circulation.  Its “rodizio” system, which prohibits travel by cars in the central area of the city during peak hours depending on their license plate numbers, initially reduced traffic by about 18 % after it was introduced in 1997.

However, these gains have since been offset by the increase in the total number of cars and other vehicles on city streets. A lifting of the “rodizio” during the school holidays of July 2007 resulted in record levels of congestion, leading to its immediate reinstatement. The “rodizio” can also be easily be avoided by families who own two cars, and though it causes people aggravation and costs them money, it does not generate any revenue for the city. 

A congestion pricing scheme similar to the ones successfully implemented in London and Stockholm could greatly help São Paulo curb automobile use while providing funds for mass transit improvements. Congestion pricing could work particularly well in São Paulo, considering that residents are already accustomed to automobile restrictions under the “rodizio.”

ITDP initiated work on a congestion pricing scheme for São Paulo in 2004, when it brought in Derek Turner, the architect of London’s system, to work with city officials and Brazilian consultancies.  Although the project was not implemented due to political concerns, congestion pricing was put on the map as an effective way to manage the huge demand for automobile transport, reduce emissions and improve quality of life in the Brazil’s largest city.  ITDP is continuing to explore ways to support traffic demand management measures that complement its city center revitalization efforts in São Paulo.

For more information about this project, contact:

Jonas Hagen