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Changes to the toll system in São Paulo have generated controversy among politicians and the public. Find out what is at stake and the impact on 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, causing disagreements between the governor Tarcisio de Freitas (Republicans), mayors from the interior and deputies of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp).
The model, which seeks to modernize toll collection, has been the target of criticism from several authorities who question the increase in the number of toll gates on highways.
The free flow toll expansion plan in São Paulo
Currently, the state has three free-flow toll gates in operation, located on state highways that were granted to the private sector.
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These contracts are regulated by Artesp, the São Paulo State Transport Agency.
By 2030, the number of gantries in the state is expected to increase to 58.
Criticism and setbacks: the authorities' reaction
The expansion plan, however, was not well received by some state deputies and mayors, especially in the interior regions.
On Rota Sorocabana, which covers around 460 kilometers of highways, the initial plan was to install 13 gantries, but, after political pressure, the government backed down and reduced this 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 reduce the price of fares.
Although the free flow toll system is seen as a solution to make charging more efficient and less invasive, it generates discomfort among drivers.
The system works without the need for stops, with gates that identify the vehicle's license plate or the tag installed on the car, facilitating automatic charging.
For those who do not use the tag, payment can be made through an app, within 30 days after the passage, under penalty of a fine of R$195,23 and loss of five points on the driver's license for toll evasion.
Retreat in Piracicaba: local opposition speaks out
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 such as 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 due dialogue with the affected cities.
In his opinion, the introduction of more tolls harms the population and needs to be reconsidered.
Parliamentarians' criticism: lack of dialogue and increased tariffs
The lack of dialogue between the state government and municipalities was one of the main criticisms highlighted 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.
“A friend is a friend,” he said, referring to the resistance to increasing tolls in the Sorocaba region, where the number of toll points was adjusted after talks with the government.
Furthermore, deputy Danilo Balas (PL) also joined the criticism and called for the partial withdrawal of the project on Rota Sorocabana.
Balas had a meeting with the governor, who reviewed the installation of four gantries in the urban area of Sorocaba, responding to local requests.
Union between base and opposition: a political response to the government
In a movement of unity between the base and the opposition, deputy Vitão supported Reis' (PT) project in Alesp, which seeks to suspend the state decree that authorizes the opening of bids for highways, including the installation of new tolls.
The draft legislative decree aims to suspend the opening of bids for the Rota Sorocabana and Nova Raposo lots, which include the installation of gantries.
The proposal received support from councilors, mayors and deputy mayors of several cities in the interior, as well as drivers and workers of apps and chartered services.
Vitão stated that, at the time the highways were granted, the population was not properly informed about the expansion of toll points, which caused great discomfort.
The impact of the free flow system and criticisms of the model
The free flow system, implemented on highways across the country, has generated controversy due to the way in which fees are applied.
While the São Paulo government argues that the model provides discounts on tolls, especially on busy stretches, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) questions the application of fines for toll evasion.
Federal prosecutor Guilherme Rocha Göpfert argues that the five-day period for drivers to be fined is insufficient, considering that many are not used to this type of charge.
The MPF points out that, since the start of the free flow system operation in Brazil, more than 180 thousand fines have been applied.
The prosecutor questions the viability of charging fines in a model in which the driver often does not even realize that he has passed through a toll gate.
The state government justifies the changes: “adjustments” to the system
In response to criticism, the São Paulo government announced that it had made adjustments to the number of gantries on the Rota Sorocabana.
The initial forecast of 13 gantries was reduced to nine, with the exclusion of two gantries on the Raposo Tavares highway and one on the Castelinho road, between the city of Sorocaba and other locations.
The Secretariat of Partnerships and Investments reported 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 section had its fare reduced from R$17,90 to R$14,10, with a further reduction expected to R$7,80 after the implementation of the gantries.
“Tariff justice” and new toll prices
The government has also highlighted the concept of “tariff justice” with the implementation of the free flow system, which, according to the Secretariat of Partnerships and Investments, ensures that drivers only pay for what they actually use on the highways.
The rates per kilometer traveled were set at R$0,16 for a single lane and R$0,21 for a double lane with an additional lane, which represents a significant reduction for those who depend on the use of these highways.
In Alumínio, the current toll plaza will be deactivated, and the gantries will be repositioned, with the aim of improving urban mobility and eliminating charges for short local trips.
This change aims to meet a long-standing demand from the population, especially in the areas most affected by toll charges.
