Train and subway companies are transporting only half the passengers they used to before the crisis, causing a financial loss of 5,6 billion reais

Representatives of carriers subway and train in Brazil are calling for urgent measures, including financial assistance, as the effects of the COVID-19 continue to hamper operations.

The Chamber of Deputies last month approved an assistance package worth BRL 4 billion (US$769 million) to support metro, train and bus operators who are struggling because of the pandemic. However, financial support still needs to be approved by the Senate and no date has been set for a vote.

“The world is experiencing an unprecedented crisis in the face of the pandemic and it is necessary to join efforts to recover the sectors”, said Joubert Flores, president of the National Association of Rail Passenger Carriers (ANPTrails), in a note. “In the area of ​​public transport, metro operators have made all possible adjustments to maintain their operations over these months and guarantee the movement of people”. 

He added: "After six months, the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable and we ask Congress for attention." 

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Train and subway companies currently transport only 50% of the passengers they served before the health crisis and the financial impact reaches 5,6 billion reais, according to ANPTrilhos.

"Based on these six months of the pandemic, it is possible to verify that the recovery of the public transport sector is very slow and gradual, indicating that, in addition to emergency aid, there must be a new form of financing and organization of all mobility to be discussed", said the association.