A new law could transform Brazilian traffic by offering discounts on tolls for vehicles carrying more than three people. The proposal aims to encourage ride-sharing, reduce congestion and contribute to sustainability. If approved, the measure promises savings and environmental improvements. But will it actually come to fruition?
Have you ever thought that sharing rides could not only provide company, but also significant savings for your pocket?
This idea, which seems revolutionary for Brazil, is at the heart of a bill that could transform traffic and driver habits on highways across the country.
But will the proposal have the strength to get off the ground and positively impact the lives of Brazilians? Discover all the details of this possible change in the following lines.
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What does the bill say?
The initiative comes from deputy David Soares (União-SP), who presented the 4.630 / 23 Bill.
The text proposes that highway concessions include clauses offering discounts on tolls for vehicles with a larger number of occupants.
In short, anyone who carries at least three people in the car can pay less to cross the toll plazas.
The main points of the proposal include:
- Progressive discounts: Vehicles with more than three passengers can benefit from reduced rates.
- Environmental impact: The measure aims to encourage the shared use of vehicles, reducing the number of cars on the roads and, consequently, the emissions of polluting gases.
- International reference: Similar measures already work in countries like the United States, where exclusive lanes for cars with multiple passengers, known as “hot lanes”, have shown positive results in reducing traffic.
This initiative not only has the potential to alleviate congestion, but also encourages a cultural shift by promoting resource sharing.
Why can carpooling help traffic?
Brazil faces significant traffic-related challenges.
Congested highways, especially during periods of high demand, such as holidays, cause delays, increase fuel consumption and raise drivers' stress levels.
Reducing the number of cars on the road can be an efficient solution to these problems.
Furthermore, fewer vehicles on the roads reduces the risk of accidents and contributes to improving air quality.
According to experts, the concentration of pollutants emitted by vehicles is one of the main factors of environmental degradation in urban and peri-urban areas.
Savings for your pocket and the environment
The proposal also offers financial advantages. Drivers who adopt ride-sharing will be able to share the costs with their passengers, reducing toll and fuel costs.
The initiative encourages a practice that is already common in ride-sharing apps, but could now gain traction on Brazilian highways.
Furthermore, by reducing the number of vehicles, there is a reduction in road wear, which can result in lower maintenance costs for the government and concessionaires.
Next steps of the project
Bill 4.630/23 has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies' Transport and Roads Committee. The next step will be analysis by the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ).
After this stage, the project will be voted on in the plenary and, if approved, will be forwarded to the Federal Senate.
Despite the progress, there are still issues that need to be debated, such as the exact amount of the discount and the criteria for proving that the vehicle meets the requirements for the benefit.
These points will be defined during the process.
Inspiring international examples
The idea of offering incentives for cars with higher occupancy is not exclusive to Brazil.
Our United States, “hot lanes” have proven to be an effective tool for reducing traffic in large urban centers.
In these countries, the benefits range from reducing traffic congestion to saving time for drivers who adhere to the measure.
Another interesting example comes from Canada, where discounts on tolls and exclusive lanes for carpooling are already part of public mobility policies in some regions.
These actions also contributed to environmental awareness, encouraging drivers to adopt more sustainable habits.
The challenges for implementation in Brazil
Although the proposal is promising, implementing the measure in Brazil may not be so simple. Among the challenges are:
- Oversight: How can we ensure that vehicles actually carry the minimum number of passengers required?
- Technology: The need for investment in identification and control systems to prevent fraud.
- Culture: Brazilians will need to adapt to the idea of sharing rides, something that is not yet widespread.
Even with these obstacles, experts believe that the project could be a milestone for mobility in the country, especially if it is accompanied by awareness campaigns and complementary incentives.
Conclusion and perspectives
The proposed toll discount for carpoolers has the potential to transform Brazilian traffic in multiple ways: less congestion, more savings and a positive environmental impact.
However, its viability depends on detailed debates and acceptance by society.
Do you believe that this measure can really bring significant changes to traffic in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments and join the discussion!