Portuguese 
The Manaus-Careiro ferry will be operated by J Cruz for five years, utilizing at least five vessels, with a proposed fare of R$ 30.67 (about US$6.03) per vehicle equivalent and ticketing capable of accepting debit, credit, and PIX, following technical inspections by ANTAQ.
The waterway connection transports passengers and vehicles between Manaus and Careiro da Várzea along the BR-319 route. As the river disrupts road continuity, the ferries function as part of the overland journey. The public call aimed to establish an exclusive and temporary operation with minimum requirements for fleet size, capacity, and service.
The ANTAQ declared J Cruz the winner. The company received ten points with a proposal of R$ 30.67 (about US$6.03) per vehicle equivalent. The schedule anticipated the publication of the authorization term on August 27 and the commencement of service on the 28th.
The five-year term provides a timeline for the operation but does not eliminate the obligations verified during the selection process. The special authorization is tied to the conditions presented and the parameters of the call. This includes available vessels, aggregated capacity, and ticketing resources that function at both terminals.
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Manaus-Careiro Ferry Will Have at Least Five Vessels
The proposal presented eight transport units, all subjected to documentation analysis and inspection. For routine operations, the operational set must maintain a minimum of five vessels, each with a capacity of at least 40 vehicle equivalents. The total required static capacity is 250.
The technicians recorded individual capacities ranging between 41 and 108 vehicle equivalents. This variation allows for a mix of vessels of different sizes based on demand and availability. However, the total and number of units in service must continue to meet the minimum established by the agency.
The fleet must also include two pin-type ferries, equipped with ramps at the bow and stern and a covered area for passengers. These features facilitate the flow of vehicle entry and exit and provide protection during the crossing, points noted in the technical report.
In total, 15 requirements per vessel were evaluated. The inspection was not limited to photographing the hull. It cross-checked identification, capacity, and necessary conditions for integration into the service. The outcome provides a concrete reference to monitor whether the ferry fleet subsequently matches the set accepted in the call.
Tickets Can Be Paid with Card or PIX
ANTAQ verified the existence of electronic ticketing, internet connection, application, and payment methods. The presented system accepts debit and credit cards, along with PIX. Therefore, tracking trips and passengers no longer relies solely on paper and cash.
At the Ceasa terminal, the selling method had to take physical space into account. According to the report, installing a fixed ticket booth could hinder access to boarding. The proposed solution involves staff attending to vehicles in the waiting lines, with electronic payment processed before boarding the vessel.
This adaptation highlights an often-overlooked aspect in transportation projects. A good digital solution must fit within the geometry of the terminal. If the booth creates a bottleneck, bringing the attendant to the line can help maintain flow, provided that registration, payment, and ticket delivery occur correctly.
The crossing connects to a larger logistical discussion about Manaus as a hub for transport corridors. However, the need along the stretch to Careiro da Várzea is immediate and local: to move people, vehicles, and cargo across the river to continue the journey along BR-319.
Proposed fare uses vehicle equivalent as a reference
The value of R$ 30.67 was presented per vehicle equivalent, a unit used to compare different ferry occupancies. This requires caution when reading the proposal: the reference does not necessarily mean that any vehicle, regardless of size or category, will pay exactly the same final value.
The maximum score assigned to the proposal indicates that the price was included in the selection alongside technical requirements. Nevertheless, everyday quality will be measured by factors perceived by the user: waiting time, available vessels, access safety, passenger protection, and functionality of payments.
The selection organizes these elements into a five-year commitment. J Cruz presented eight vessels, although the operational minimum is five. This margin can assist with maintenance and replacements, but the central obligation remains to preserve the minimum capacity throughout the authorized period.
The report also creates a visual record of what was evaluated. Ferries, decks, ramps, mobiles, and card machines are documented. If the service delivered differs, the inspection itself provides objective parameters for oversight and billing.
Starting from the August schedule, the crossing moves from the selection phase to daily testing. There will be five years of special authorization, with a inspected fleet and known pricing since the proposal. For those crossing the river, the outcome will depend on how these commitments perform in line and on the water.
For me, the decisive number will be the vessels actually available during peak times. Eight units were presented, but five form the operational minimum. The difference between these two numbers represents the existing margin for maintenance, replacement, and response when a ferry cannot navigate.
Ticketing will also be tested outside the demonstration. Internet, app, mobile phone, and card machine need to work in a real line under terminal conditions. Payment via PIX facilitates options for the user, although it does not replace the obligation to organize access and accurately record each trip.
If you use this connection from BR-319, let us know in the comments which stage of the crossing needs the most improvement in the routine between Manaus and Careiro da Várzea.
What weighs the most for you in this crossing: fare, waiting time, or the number of available ferries?
