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São Paulo toll booths are adopting NFC cards and automatic systems, eliminating the use of cash. CCR plans to expand the model by 2026, which promises to modernize the highways, but could exclude millions of Brazilians who still do not have access to electronic payment technologies.
The future has arrived for Brazilian tolls, but not for everyone. In September 2024, a new chapter of road modernization began in São Paulo, and there is no shortage of differing opinions about its impact.
In automatic booths, where there used to be change and coins, contactless card technology now reigns supreme.
This change represents much more than agility for those crossing toll booths: it is a symbol of an economic transformation that divides opinions and questions the inclusion of all Brazilians in the innovations of the 21st century.
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According to information from CCR, the concessionaire that manages some of the main highways in São Paulo, electronic payments will already represent 85% of transactions carried out in 2024.
This is a notable leap compared to 2020, when it was just 56,3%. However, for those who still rely on cash, the transition to the electronic model brings concrete and urgent challenges.
Technological advancement on highways
Since September, some highways in São Paulo have started to operate exclusively with automatic booths that accept credit and debit cards with NFC technology (contactless payment).
This change aims to streamline vehicle flow, reduce operating costs and promote safety, eliminating the need for cash handling.
Additionally, we bring the free flow system, which allows automatic payment without the need to stop at toll booths, has been adopted on several roads.
In this model, the driver can make the payment using a tag or even settle the charge later on the dealership's website.
This practice is already common on busy roads, such as Anhanguera-Bandeirantes and Castello-Branco, and promises to expand even further in the coming years.
A future without cash in tolls?
The CCR dealership revealed an intriguing fact: in July 2024, only 13,17% of payments were made in cash.
The decline in the use of banknotes at toll booths reflects a significant change in the habits of Brazilians, who have rapidly adopted electronic payment methods.
This trend, however, raises an important warning: what happens to those who do not have access to cards or bank accounts?
According to experts, Financial exclusion is still a reality for millions of Brazilians.
Although the use of cards and digital technologies is growing, approximately 34 million people still live outside the financial system, according to 2023 data from the Locomotiva Institute.
How will these people be impacted by the exclusion of money on roads essential for travel around the country?
The 2026 target and the highways of the future
CCR has set an ambitious goal: completely eliminate cash payments at all toll plazas by 2026.
The initiative covers the 11 highways managed by the concessionaire, including important roads such as Raposo Tavares (SP-270).
For many, this is an opportunity to modernize Brazilian road transport and ensure greater efficiency in traffic.
However, Critics point to the challenges of this transition.
The lack of access to technology and the exclusion of those who still depend on cash payments can become barriers to mobility. Is Brazil prepared to make such a significant leap in such a short time?
Conclusion: innovation or exclusion?
The modernization of tolls in Brazil symbolizes the advancement of electronic payment technologies and brings clear benefits, such as agility and cost reduction.
However, the challenge of including all Brazilians in this movement is an urgent issue. As 2026 approaches, the question remains: will the roads of the future be accessible to everyone?
And you, what do you think about this change in tolls? Comment below and join the debate!
If tags were free, this transition would be faster and more effective.
I think it's wonderful...as for exclusion, whoever doesn't want to be part of it, just needs to modernize.