1. Home
  2. / Accidents
  3. / Uber's rival (99) ignores order in São Paulo and continues to offer controversial service in the capital that could generate up to 13 THOUSAND jobs, but has security risks
reading time 5 min read Comments 6 comments

Uber's rival (99) ignores order in São Paulo and continues to offer controversial service in the capital that could generate up to 13 THOUSAND jobs, but has security risks

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 17/01/2025 às 11:53
The motorcycles of the app company 99 and the mayor of SP, Ricardo Nunes (MDB): a Justice arm wrestling match. — Photo: Montage/g1/Reproduction/Social Networks/Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil
The motorcycles of the app company 99 and the mayor of SP, Ricardo Nunes (MDB): a Justice arm wrestling match. — Photo: Montage/g1/Reproduction/Social Networks/Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil

Company 99 continues to operate its motorcycle transportation service in the capital of São Paulo, despite the city's decision to suspend it. The measure promises to generate up to 13 jobs, but raises concerns about the safety of users and the legality of the operation. The São Paulo courts upheld the suspension of the service, classifying it as illegal.

In the midst of a legal and administrative battle, 99, one of the largest app-based transportation companies in Brazil, decided to maintain the operation of its motorcycle transport service in the city of São Paulo, even after an express order from the city hall for the immediate suspension of the activity.

The service, called 99 Motorcycle, promises to bring significant impacts to urban mobility, while raising serious concerns about the safety of its users and the legality of its operation.

Context and notification from the City of São Paulo

According to G1, the City of São Paulo formally notified 99 on January 14, determining that the motorcycle transport service be suspended within 24 hours.

The municipal administration argues that this type of transport does not have specific regulations in the city and that its operation puts the safety of passengers, motorcyclists and other traffic users at risk.

Mayor Ricardo Nunes highlighted that the service violates local regulations and that its continuation would be considered a clandestine activity.

“There is no municipal authorization for the transportation of passengers on motorcycles through apps in the city of São Paulo. Companies must comply with local legislation,” Nunes said in an interview with G1.

99's positioning and legal basis

99, in turn, vehemently disagrees with the city's position and claims that its service complies with federal legislation.

According to the company, passenger transportation by motorcycle is regulated by the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and by resolutions of the National Traffic Council (Contran).

Bruno Rossini, communications director at 99, explained to G1 that the company understands that federal regulations override municipal regulations, allowing the service to operate in any city in the country.

“99 Moto continues to operate because we believe we are acting within the law and meeting a growing demand for more accessible and faster transportation alternatives,” said Rossini.

Economic impact and job creation

The company also argues that the service has enormous potential for economic impact, especially in São Paulo, where demand for transportation is high.

According to estimates released by 99 itself, G1, 99 Moto can generate up to 13 thousand direct and indirect jobs in the capital of São Paulo.

Furthermore, the modality would be a cheaper option for passengers, especially on short journeys, and an opportunity for additional income for motorcyclists registered on the platform.

The company highlighted that the economy generated by the service can also boost other sectors in the city, such as commerce and tourism.

Security risks and criticism from the city government

Despite the economic advantages, the continuity of 99 Moto in the city is not free from criticism.

Traffic and security experts, as well as the city government itself, warn of the risks associated with passenger transport by motorcycles.

Data from the Municipal Health Department, obtained by G1, show that motorcycles are among the vehicles most involved in serious and fatal accidents in the capital.

In 2024, for example, more than 30% of hospital admissions related to traffic accidents involved motorcyclists or their passengers.

Mayor Ricardo Nunes highlighted that the lack of specific regulations and the absence of adequate supervision can worsen these rates.

“We are talking about lives. We cannot allow services like this to operate without minimum security guarantees,” said Nunes.

Legal action and seizures

In response to 99's decision to keep the service active, the City of São Paulo intensified inspections and began seizing motorcycles caught transporting passengers via the platform.

Furthermore, the municipal administration filed a lawsuit to permanently suspend the service.

According to G1, the São Paulo Court has already issued decisions in favor of the city government, classifying the service as clandestine and ordering its immediate interruption.

In one of the decisions, the judge in charge highlighted that the municipal decree expressly prohibits the transportation of passengers by motorcycles in the city, regardless of federal authorizations.

The future of 99 Moto in São Paulo

The dispute between 99 and the City of São Paulo represents an emblematic example of the conflict between technological innovation and government regulation.

On the one hand, the company seeks to meet the growing demand for accessible and agile transportation, especially in a city with the mobility challenges of São Paulo.

On the other hand, municipal authorities emphasize the importance of local regulations that guarantee the safety and well-being of the population.

As found by G1, the continuity of 99 Moto will depend on a clear definition of regulatory competence in this case: whether federal legislation actually takes precedence over municipal regulations, as 99 argues, or whether cities have autonomy to regulate or prohibit this type of service, as the city government claims.

Impacts on the national scenario

Regardless of the outcome, the controversy has already begun to reverberate in other parts of Brazil.

Cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Recife are closely monitoring the case and evaluating the possibility of adopting similar measures to regulate or prohibit the transport of passengers by motorcycles.

Experts consulted by G1 warn that the final decision in São Paulo could set an important precedent for the rest of the country, influencing both the app-based transportation market and public urban mobility policies.

And you, would you use 99 Moto as an alternative transportation option in São Paulo? Share your opinion!

  • Reaction
  • Reaction
  • Reaction
4 people reacted to this.
React to article
Registration
Notify
guest
6 Comments
Older
Last Most voted
Feedbacks
View all comments
Raul
Raul
17/01/2025 17:41

Federal legislation, regarding the transportation of passengers, category B, that is, cars, does not mention motorcycles, these app companies do not care about human life, it does not matter if they are app drivers or motorcyclists, they think they are all robots, if one dies, put another in its place.

Rodrigo
Rodrigo
In reply to  Raul
17/01/2025 18:21

Shut your mouth ****

Claudineio Goncalves
Claudineio Goncalves
In reply to  Rodrigo
18/01/2025 06:02

Law 13/640 ART 11-B take a look before telling people to shut up,

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

Share across apps
0
We would love your opinion on this subject, comment!x