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Changes To The Toll System In São Paulo Have Generated Controversy Among Politicians And The Population. Know What Is At Stake And The Impact For Drivers, With Information And Reactions From Various Parties Involved In This Process.
The free flow toll system, without traditional toll plazas, has generated controversy in the state of São Paulo, provoking misunderstandings between Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), mayors from the interior, and deputies from the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp).
The model, which aims to modernize toll collection, has faced criticism from various authorities questioning the increase in the number of gantries on the highways.
The Expansion Plan For Free Flow Tolls In São Paulo
Currently, the state has three free flow toll gantries in operation, located on state highways that have been granted to the private sector.
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These contracts are regulated by Artesp, the São Paulo State Transport Agency.
By 2030, the expectation is that the number of gantries in the state will increase to 58.
Criticisms And Backtracking: The Reaction Of The Authorities
The expansion plan, however, has not been well received by some state deputies and mayors, especially in the interior regions.
In the Sorocabana Route, which covers about 460 kilometers of highways, the initial plan was to install 13 gantries, but after political pressure, the government backtracked and reduced that number to nine.
This increase in the number of gantries generated criticism, as the charge would be made per kilometer traveled, which, according to the government, would lower the toll prices.
Although the free flow toll system is seen as a solution to make toll collection more efficient and less invasive, it generates discomfort among drivers.
The system operates without the need for stops, with gantries that identify the vehicle’s plate or the tag installed in the car, facilitating automatic billing.
For those who do not use the tag, payment can be made through an app, with a deadline of up to 30 days after passing, under penalty of a fine of R$ 195.23 and a loss of five points on the driver’s license for toll evasion.
Backtracking In Piracicaba: The Local Opposition Manifests
In Piracicaba, the government also backtracked on the installation of gantries on the Luiz de Queiroz highway.
Initially, the proposal was to replace conventional tolls with free flow and increase the number of collection points, affecting cities like Americana and Santa Bárbara d’Oeste.
Local pressure was intense, especially after the Piracicaba City Council formed a Parliamentary Front Against The Installation Of Tolls On The SP-304.
The mayor of Taquarivaí, Rubinho (PSD), harshly criticized the state government’s stance.
He highlighted that the system is being imposed in an authoritarian manner, without proper dialogue with the affected cities.
In his opinion, the introduction of more tolls harms the population and needs to be reconsidered.
The Criticism Of The Parliamentarians: Lack Of Dialogue And Increase In Tariffs
The lack of dialogue between the state government and the municipalities was one of the main criticisms pointed out by parliamentarians.
Deputy Vitão do Cachorrão (Republicans) accused Governor Tarcísio of insisting on a project that was not aligned with the interests of the population.
“Those who warn, are friends,” he stated, referring to the resistance to the increase of tolls in the Sorocaba region, where the number of collection points was adjusted after conversations with the government.
Additionally, Deputy Danilo Balas (PL) also joined the criticism and called for a partial backtrack of the project in the Sorocabana Route.
Balas had a meeting with the governor, who reviewed the installation of four gantries in the urban area of Sorocaba, addressing local requests.
Union Between Base And Opposition: A Political Response To The Government
In a unifying move between the base and the opposition, Deputy Vitão supported the project by Reis (PT) in Alesp, which seeks to suspend the state decree authorizing the opening of bids for highways, including the installation of new tolls.
The draft legislative decree aims to halt the opening of bids for the Sorocabana Route and Nova Raposo lots, which include the installation of gantries.
The proposal received support from councilors, mayors, and deputy mayors from various cities in the interior, as well as drivers and workers from apps and charter services.
Vitão stated that, at the time of granting the highways, the population was not properly informed about the increase in toll points, which caused significant discomfort.
The Impact Of The Free Flow System And The Criticisms Of The Model
The free flow system, implemented on highways across the country, has generated controversies regarding how the tariffs are applied.
While the São Paulo government defends that the model provides discounts on tariffs, especially in high-traffic areas, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) questions the application of fines for toll evasion.
Federal prosecutor Guilherme Rocha Göpfert argues that the five-day deadline for a motorist to be fined is insufficient, considering that many are not accustomed to this type of charge.
MPF points out that, since the free flow system began operating in Brazil, more than 180,000 fines have been issued.
The prosecutor questions the viability of charging fines in a model where the driver often does not even realize they have passed through a toll gantry.
The State Government Justifies The Changes: “Adjustments” In The System
In response to the criticisms, the São Paulo government announced that it had made adjustments to the number of gantries on the Sorocabana Route.
The initial forecast of 13 gantries was reduced to nine, with the removal of two gantries on the Raposo Tavares highway and one on the Castelinho road, between the city of Sorocaba and other locations.
The Department of Partnerships and Investments stated that, despite the reduction in the number of gantries, the free flow toll system continues to provide more affordable rates for drivers.
For example, the Araçoiaba-Alumínio stretch had its rate reduced from R$ 17.90 to R$ 14.10, with a new anticipated reduction to R$ 7.80 after the installation of the gantries.
“Fare Justice” And The New Prices Of The Toll Tariffs
The government has also highlighted the concept of “fare justice” with the implementation of the free flow system, which, according to the Department of Partnerships and Investments, ensures that drivers only pay for what they actually use of the highways.
The tariffs per kilometer traveled have been set at R$ 0.16 for single lanes and R$ 0.21 for double lanes with an additional lane, which represents a significant reduction for those who rely on these highways.
In Alumínio, the current toll plaza will be deactivated, and the gantries will be repositioned to improve urban mobility and eliminate charges for short local trips.
This change aims to meet a long-standing demand from the population, especially from areas most affected by toll charges.
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