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Get ready, Foz do Itajaí-Açu: a revolution on wheels, and underwater, is coming! With an investment of R$138 million, the government of Santa Catarina, under the leadership of Governor Jorginho Mello, has signed a protocol that brings the long-awaited mobility project to life. In a move worthy of a blockbuster, the promise is to transform transportation in Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú and nine other cities in the region with cutting-edge infrastructure, including an integrated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system and an underwater tunnel connecting Itajaí to Navegantes.
The project, which goes by the name of Promobis, is grand in every way: in addition to the millions from the government, it will also have unprecedented international financing, with the participation of the World Bank, which will disburse 90 million dollars to ensure that this new mobility network gets off the ground and goes into operation.
Mobility project: a milestone in building a new future
During the signing, Governor Jorginho Mello highlighted the importance of this mobility project as one of the greatest infrastructure landmarks in the state. Along with other initiatives, such as the Estrada Boa Program and improvements to state highways, this proposal is a real leap forward for the region.
The government of Santa Catarina will be responsible for coordinating a series of essential actions for the implementation of Promobis, including the construction of a public-private partnership for the submerged tunnel. In addition, the government is responsible for facilitating the concession notice and guaranteeing the concessions for companies that will operate the integrated public transportation system. The commitment is also to support the municipalities with expropriations and logistical adjustments, which are essential for the success of this regional transformation.
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Four pillars of the mobility project
Promobis is made up of four central elements that will shape the new reality of urban mobility in Foz do Itajaí-Açu:
Integrated public transport (BRT): A public transport network will connect 11 cities through a 100% electric BRT system with exclusive corridors.
Underwater tunnel between Itajaí and Navegantes: Iconic project that will guarantee a fast connection between the municipalities, made possible by a public-private partnership.
Micromobility in Balneário Camboriú: Plans to modernize local mobility with sustainable alternatives.
Institutional capacity building: Investment in training and strengthening public management to keep up with the region’s growth.
The idea is that a worker can cross from Bombinhas to Balneário Piçarras in up to 65 minutes, paying only R$10, a much more affordable price than the current R$22 for the trip. In other words, less time and more savings for those who depend on public transport daily.
Partnerships, construction and investments: the force behind the project
The construction of the project will be financed largely by international funds, but municipalities will also contribute. Of the R$138 million, the public transport interconnection will receive the largest share, with US$43 million guaranteed by the World Bank and US$23 million from the consortium municipalities. This substantial fund will be reserved for the future, covering maintenance and new demands on the network.
The underwater tunnel, in turn, will receive 8 million dollars — divided between financing and counterpart funding —, while micromobility in Balneário Camboriú will be the only one with exclusive financing from the municipality itself, a local effort to encourage sustainable means of transport.
The future of Foz do Itajaí-Açu starts now
The presence of representatives from the World Bank and mayors from the region at the signing of the memorandum of understanding was a strong indication of the impact that Promobis will have not only on building mobility, but on the economic development of the entire area. In addition to reducing travel time and costs, the mobility project will strengthen integration and boost regional growth, positioning Foz do Itajaí-Açu as a reference in mobility and infrastructure.
For João Luiz Demantova, Promobis coordinator, the objective is clear: “Let’s build the great metropolis we want to be in the future.” More than just words, it’s a vision that comes to life with each investment made, transforming the daily commute of workers and residents in a practical, accessible and modern experience.
The mobility project is a milestone, and the promise is that this investment will be just the beginning of a new phase for Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú and the region, towards a future of efficient and sustainable mobility.
