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After 30 years, the population of the coast of São Paulo dreams of the return of passenger trains. With plans for revitalization, experts discuss the reactivation of a stretch that has marked generations. A future of new routes may be closer than ever.
At a time when urban mobility is becoming a growing challenge for coastal cities, old rails are gaining a new glimmer of hope.
Residents of the coast of São Paulo, especially Itanhaém, have vivid memories of the times when they could travel the train region, quickly, safely and with a touch of nostalgic adventure.
Now, after more than three decades of railway service being suspended, the idea of resuming passenger trains between Santos and Juquiá is beginning to gain strength and support from the local population.
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Coastal Diary learned about the history of trains and expectations for the future of the tracks, which can relieve traffic and rescue part of the historical memory Of region.
Check out the details below about the route, the plans for a tourist line and the prospects for the recovery of this historic form of transport.
What was the old Santos-Juquiá train line like?
The old railway line that connected Santos to Juquiá, running through cities on the southern coast of São Paulo, was inaugurated in 1913, with the construction of the Southern Sao Paulo Railway, an English company responsible for structuring part of the railway network in the state of São Paulo.
In 1927, the line began to be managed by Sorocabana Railway, expanding the stretch to Juquiá, in the Ribeira Valley.
For decades, this line was the main means of transport for the region's inhabitants, providing a practical and affordable alternative to road vehicles.
The route passed through 34 stations and stopping points along the more than 200 km between Santos and Juquiá.
The journey, which lasted approximately three hours, crossed lush landscapes and was a popular option for both locals and tourists.
Over the years, however, the service was deactivated, leaving only memories of a time when trains were part of the daily lives of the coastal population.
Memoirs of a Railwayman: Stories and Accidents
Marcelo Lara, 89 years old, is a former worker at Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana and has memories of the period in which he worked as a railway worker.
Retired, he has lived in Itanhaém for 50 years and shares exciting stories from his career, which lasted 25 years.
In an interview with Coastal Diary, he remembered that he worked at line maintenance, constantly traveling to perform services in various cities in the region.
"The company provided us with a wagon to sleep and eat., because sometimes we would be away from home for days”, says Marcelo.
He also recalls an accident he suffered when he fell from a freight wagon loaded with stones. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed.
Another notable episode was the accident on April 1, 1938, when an intense storm knocked down trees on the rails, affecting the structure of the bridge that passed over the river.
The train, with passengers on board, was unable to complete the crossing, and the tragedy left its mark on the region's railway history.
Memories and nostalgia: railway culture on the coast of São Paulo
For many inhabitants of the south coast, the old Santos-Juquiá line is synonymous with nostalgia and represents a unique way of life.
The writer and researcher Maria Teresa Leal Says, known as Teté, published a chronicle in her book about the Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana, where she describes the magic of traveling by train.
According to her, the experience was a special trip, where you could enjoy the landscapes and feel the vibrant movement of the cities at the stations.
As reported by the Coastal Diary, the arrival of the railway line had a profound impact on the lives of local residents, creating new habits and changing the economic and social scenario of the region.
Trains not only carried passengers and cargo, but also transformed the stations into meeting points for the purchase of newspapers, magazines and local products.
Revitalization attempts: tourism projects and government plans
In recent years, proposals have emerged to reactivate the railway section for tourism purposes.
In 2017, mayors from the south coast, together with federal deputy João Paulo Papa, met to discuss a project that aimed to resume passenger service on a tourist line.
The plan included a 66 km route, from Mongaguá to Pedro de Toledo, with the concession of the railway network to the company Logistics course.
Furthermore, the federal government recently announced its intention to rehabilitate 11.100 km of abandoned tracks in all of Brazil.
This measure requires the responsible concessionaires to pay compensation that could total R$20 billion, to be reinvested in railway recovery.
According to experts consulted by Coastal Diary, the company Rumo is one of the companies with the most abandoned stretches in Brazil, with approximately 4.900 km of lines out of operation, including in areas of the coast of São Paulo.
In São Paulo, the Legislative Assembly approved, in 2022, bill 148/22, which proposes the resumption of rail transportation of cargo and passengers through “shortlines”, or short lines.
So far, however, the project is awaiting regulation and implementation, leaving the population waiting for a concrete return of trains to the city's routine.
A future on rails for residents?
For residents of the coast of São Paulo, like the retired railway worker Marcelo and the writer Teté, the reactivation of the passenger train could represent a cultural rescue and a sustainable alternative to public transport.
The expectation is that the government and responsible companies will advance in projects that include not only tourist transport, but also meeting the daily needs of citizens, helping to reduce traffic on the roads and offer a more accessible and environmentally friendly means of transport.
What do you think about the idea of reviving the old rails for public transport on the coast? Do you believe that the return of trains could transform mobility and tourism in the region? Leave your comment!
