In Brazil, Experts Build the Case for Congestion Pricing, BRT

Posted: 01 Dec 2003

Related to: São Paulo Congestion Pricing, Managing Traffic Demand, Brazil
Contributed by: Walter Hook and Eric Ferreira, ITDP

ITDP's newly formed Brazil program, supported by the Hewlett Foundation, recently organized a series of seminars in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, featuring former Bogotá, Colombia Mayor Enrique Peñalosa and Derek Turner, who headed Transport for London's congestion pricing program.

According to a National Confederation of Transporte (CNT) study, 60% of space in Brazil’s main urban corridors is filled with car traffic, which carries only 20% of the population. Nearly 70% of the population relies on public transportation. Peñalosa and Turner outlined measures that can better serve these public transit riders, reduce the cities’ growing congestion, and improve public space.

Mr. Peñalosa presented officials in both cities with an overview of the now-famous improvements undertaken in Bogotá: the TransMilenio bus system; pedestrian and bicycle paths; public parks, libraries and schools accessible by public transit, bicycle or foot; the pico y placa car restriction program; and Car-Free days.

Mr. Turner outlined the potential for implementing congestion pricing in Brazil’s major cities ­ a measure that, as in London, would have the dual benefits of reducing congestion and raising revenue for public transit investments.