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Highways on the Rota da Celulose will now have tolls that can reach R$91,20. The new concession promises greater traffic flow, but the prices are frightening.
A new project of highway concession in Mato Grosso do Sul can transform the lives of drivers who travel along the so-called 'Cellulose Route'.
Although the promise is to improve fluidity and safety on the roads, toll prices are already starting to raise doubts and concerns.
Those driving on the MS-040, MS-338, MS-395, BR-262 and BR-267 highways can expect fares ranging from R$4,47 to an impressive R$91,20, depending on the type of vehicle and the payment method chosen.
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All of this, of course, if the concession auction scheduled for December is concluded without surprises.
According to the notice approved by the state administration, the criterion for choosing the company responsible for the concession will be the lowest rate offered, but the established ceiling already leaves many with reservations.
What is really worrying is the variation in prices between passenger vehicles and trucks, especially for larger ones, such as those with six axles, which may be penalized with the maximum fare of R$91,20.
In total, there are 12 strategic toll points along the 870 km that make up the route.
The charging system will be the innovative 'free flow', which allows passage without the need to stop, speeding up the flow on the roads.
But is the convenience worth the price?
With a year to go before charges begin after signing the contract, drivers have time to prepare, but they are not necessarily happy about the outlook.
High tariffs for heavy vehicles
Those who travel in passenger vehicles will have a different experience.
Depending on the payment method chosen, such as using the automatic tag, which guarantees a 5% discount, the fees may be lower.
For ordinary drivers, the toll price varies between R$4,47 and R$14,44, depending on the location.
However, truck drivers and drivers of heavy cargo vehicles will feel the strongest impact.
The toll plaza between Campo Grande and Ribas do Rio Pardo, for example, will have the highest value of the project.
On this duplicated stretch, which extends to the Suzano factory, the fare for six-axle trucks could reach R$91,20.
According to the notice, Nova Alvorada do Sul will also have one of the highest rates, reaching R$90,60 for the same types of vehicles.
On the other hand, the cheapest toll booth will be located in Bataguassu, with rates starting at R$4,47 for light vehicles, but which can still reach up to R$28,20 for trucks.
Difference between state and federal highways
The Cellulose Route covers both state and federal highways, and according to the notice, there is a variation in prices depending on the condition of the road and the number of lanes.
For single-lane sections, the value per kilometer will be R$0,1613, while for dual-lane sections, the ceiling reaches R$0,2258.
It is worth remembering that this calculation is based on the type of vehicle and the mileage traveled, which means that drivers who travel long distances on dual carriageways will pay considerably more.
Furthermore, the installation of toll gates will be subject to an adjustment system according to vehicle flow and demand, which may lead to changes in rates over the years.
According to information gathered in September 2024, the maximum values, although already causing controversy, may be reduced by up to 20% in the discount allowed by the notice, but there is no guarantee that the companies will offer such an advantage.
Economic impacts and exemptions
While the value of the tariffs seems to be the main point of debate, it is important to note the potential benefits of the concession.
The free flow system promises to reduce travel time and improve road safety.
Furthermore, the privatization of highways can result in more efficient maintenance, increasing the quality of the roads and, consequently, the safety of drivers.
Another relevant point is that some vehicles will be exempt from paying tolls.
These include motorcycles, scooters, motorized bicycles, as well as emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines.
State government vehicles will also not pay the fees, as will empty cargo vehicles, which will be exempt from the fee for suspended axles.
Variable rates and the impact on truck drivers’ pockets
If you are a truck driver or depend on transporting goods, the numbers are not so encouraging.
The table released shows that, for heavy vehicles, such as six-axle trucks, rates can reach up to R$91,20.
The impact of this charge will inevitably be passed on to the end consumer, whether in the price of the products transported or in the operational costs of logistics companies.
Worth it?
With so many high values, the question that remains is: Are Brazilian drivers ready to pay such high tolls in exchange for a possible gain in efficiency on the roads?
While on the one hand there is the promise of less congestion and greater safety, on the other hand, prices are still far from being popular.
What do you think? Is it worth paying up to R$91,20 to travel on safer roads, or is this just another financial burden that Brazilians will have to bear? Comment below!
If they want to charge pornographic prices, it would be better to leave it as it is. Are governments not capable of understanding the impact that these tariffs have on inflation and the cost of doing business in Brazil?
Yet another official robbery. Free flow does not increase security at all and travel time will decrease by how much? Ten minutes over 800 kilometers?
It's absurd to charge high toll fees on the highway, when the IPVA is charged for maintenance. Double pricing. It only happens in Brazil. Then refund the IPVA.
Why do car owners in Brazil have to pay to drive on the highway made with their money through the IPVA? It's just a fee. It's a rip-off.
In Brazil today we are robbed from all sides.
The highways were built with resources from our taxes, but when they are ready they are handed over to private capital with the fallacy that the internship has no competence.
BRs such as 040, 262 and many others, which were handed over by privatizers, are the worst highways in Brazil, even worse than those that were not granted.
And these people come to talk about security?
What security there is, what matters is the population's hard-earned money handed over to the "butchers" of our resources.
And the population remains silent and does not react.