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Passenger trains could revolutionize transportation in Minas Gerais! With safety, sustainability and comfort, the railway model is being debated at ALMG. This resumption promises to positively impact the lives of millions and bring solutions to mobility problems.
Imagine a scenario in which public transport can transform the lives of millions of people, promoting safety, sustainability and comfort.
This possibility seems to be closer to becoming a reality in Minas Gerais, where a crucial discussion about passenger trains promises to pave the way for a more efficient and humane future.
However, what is at stake goes beyond simple displacement: it is an issue that affects the quality of life, the environment and even the state's economy.
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The urgency of more efficient and safer transport
According to the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais (ALMG), the Labor, Social Security and Social Assistance Committee held a meeting this Thursday (12) to discuss the resumption of passenger trains in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (RMBH).
This hearing assessed the impacts of the absence of this means of transport on the lives of workers and explored ways to make it viable.
The request for the debate was made by deputy Betão (PT), president of the committee. According to the parliamentarian, the discussion could not be more timely.
“We are close to renewing billion-dollar concessions that can truly change the lives of workers in the RMBH. They risk their lives on the roads and do not have access to safe, quality transportation,” he said.
He highlighted that Minas Gerais has the largest railway network in the country, with almost 5 thousand kilometers in length, but uses this infrastructure minimally for passenger transport.
Impacts on urban safety and sustainability
The data presented by Congressman Betão reinforce the seriousness of the problem. In 2022, Brazilian highways recorded 64.547 accidents, resulting in 18.132 serious injuries and 5.439 deaths.
In comparison, the railways presented significantly lower numbers: 782 accidents, 237 injuries and 112 deaths, according to data from the Railway Sector Yearbook of the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT).
This discrepancy highlights how the rail transport may offer a safer and more efficient alternative.
Furthermore, the adoption of trains as a means of urban transport would contribute to reducing the use of road vehicles, reducing traffic and pollutant emissions in the capital of Minas Gerais and its surroundings.
Trade unions and civil society mobilize
During the meeting, unions and representatives of entities linked to urban transport will submit a formal request for ALMG to monitor the terms of renewal of railway concessions scheduled for 2025.
They also demand the expansion of the railway network aimed at passenger transport.
According to the organizers, this expansion is essential to meet the needs of the population that faces daily traffic chaos and the lack of viable travel options.
The train as an integrated solution
In addition to being safer, the passenger train is considered a fast, comfortable and sustainable means of transport.
Experts argue that its implementation would not only benefit urban mobility, but would also reduce the number of road vehicles accessing Belo Horizonte, alleviating heavy traffic and contributing to air quality.
The absence of this type of transport also generates economic impacts.
According to experts interviewed during the debate, the rail transport could reduce logistical costs for workers and companies, as well as encourage tourism in cities connected by the rail network.
A unique opportunity
Minas Gerais is experiencing a decisive moment to reevaluate the use of its extensive railway network.
Although the state is home to more than 180 municipalities connected by rail, only one passenger transport service currently operates, the train between Belo Horizonte and Vitória.
According to experts, the renewal of concessions scheduled for 2025 could be a unique opportunity to transform this reality.
What to expect from the future of rail transport?
As advocated by leaders and entities, rail transport is a promising solution to many of the urban challenges currently faced.
However, for this to become a reality, a joint effort between public authorities, civil society and the private sector will be necessary.
The ALMG hearing represents an important step on this path, but mobilization must continue to ensure that passenger transport once again occupies a central role in Minas Gerais.
Do you think passenger trains can really transform public transportation in Minas Gerais? Leave your opinion in the comments!
It's about time!
It's time to have more trains running between Minas Gerais and other states. I always travel between Ipatinga and Vitória, but I think the economy seats could be a little more comfortable. They are very hard. Other than that, it's an excellent form of transport.
Not just the state of Minas, but the entire country.
Mass transportation is efficient anywhere in the world, except in Brazil. The Brazilian people do not evolve. The day that Brazilians understand that power emanates from the people, then we will have a fairer Brazil. Railways are neglected, thousands of river coastlines are neglected, and highways are in poor condition and accumulating records of deaths and mutilations.
Yes, it is high time to think about using the railway network and expanding it. Passenger trains will bring a better quality of life, more safety and even lower costs, in addition to relieving traffic congestion and contributing to cleaner air. Fewer vehicles on the road, fewer accidents, fewer traffic jams, less pollution, less wear and tear on the highways, fewer deaths, less expenses for the SUS, with care for victims in traffic, etc. etc. etc.
Vale's new night train will have seats similar to those in the executive class in all carriages and it is already in operation here, and could start running in the second half of 2025.