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New Proposal Wants to Change Behavior on Brazilian Roads Offering an Advantage for Those Who Share the Car with Others, but the Project Still Needs to Overcome Important Stages Before Becoming Reality on Highways in the Country.
Drivers who travel with a full car will be able to pay less on tolls, according to a new proposal approved by the House of Representatives Transportation and Communications Commission.
The bill 4630/2023 provides for discounts on road tolls for vehicles transporting three or more people.
The measure aims to encourage carpooling, reduce the number of vehicles on highways, and minimize the environmental impacts of individual transportation.
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Inspired by the “hot lanes” in the United States, the project intends to import a strategy already successfully used in developed countries.
There, express highways have exclusive lanes for vehicles with multiple occupants, facilitating shared commuting and promoting smoother traffic flow.
The Brazilian proposal, however, innovates by suggesting the granting of toll discounts, an alternative that can generate direct effects on citizens’ pockets and the environment.
Reduction of Vehicles and Environmental Impact
The main objective of the new legislation is clear: stimulate more efficient use of private vehicles.
According to urban mobility experts, a large portion of the cars circulating on the highways carries only the driver, worsening congestion and increasing levels of pollutant gas emissions.
With more people sharing the same car, the expectation is that there will be fewer vehicles on the roads, which would result in less wear on asphalt, reduction in pollution levels, and smoother traffic.
This could also mean fewer accidents and greater logistical efficiency for transportation companies and professional drivers.
Stages Until It Becomes Law
Despite having passed through the Transportation and Communications Commission, the project has not yet become law.
Now, it goes to the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJ), where it will be evaluated for its constitutionality.
This analysis is necessary to ensure that the text is in accordance with current legislation and respects the principles of the Constitution.
If approved in the CCJ, the next step will be the vote in the plenary of the House of Representatives.
Subsequently, the text will still need to pass through the scrutiny of the Federal Senate.
Only after approval in both legislative houses and the signature of the President of the Republic, the project may officially come into effect.
This processing is common in proposals involving changes in the toll collection model, as any alteration directly impacts contracts with concessionaires and revenue logistics.
How the Discount Would Work
According to the original text of the project, still under discussion, vehicles would receive the discount benefit upon proof that they carry three or more people, including the driver.
The control mechanism has not yet been detailed, but it could involve image recognition technology, sensors at the toll booths, or declarations via an app linked to the toll system.
Experts warn that the ideal model must prevent fraud and not cause delays in the toll collection process, especially on highways that utilize automatic toll collection systems, such as Sem Parar or ConectCar.
Another point debated is how to ensure that the measure does not harm users who depend on individual transportation, especially in areas without access to quality public transport.
International Example: The “Hot Lanes”
The Brazilian project is based on international experiences, mainly in the United States.
There, the so-called “high-occupancy vehicle lanes” (HOV lanes) or “hot lanes” are exclusive lanes on highways, used by vehicles carrying more than one person.
In addition to easing traffic on main roads, these lanes serve as an incentive for carpooling and collaborative transportation.
In some cities, like Los Angeles and Washington D.C., these lanes can also be used by solo drivers for a fee, which varies according to the time and demand.
Vehicles with more than one occupant use them for free or with a significant discount.
It’s this incentive logic that the Brazilian project seeks to adapt.
Sustainability and Economy for the Pocket
Besides environmental benefits, the measure is also welcome from an economic standpoint.
With constant increases in toll rates, any possibility of discounts is seen positively by drivers, especially those who travel long distances daily.
If approved, the new law could represent real savings for families traveling together, workers organizing carpools, and even app drivers.
The encouragement of carpooling could also help build a culture of sharing in Brazilian traffic, which is still heavily centered on individual car use.
According to IBGE data, over 40% of the Brazilian population lives in metropolitan areas, where traffic is one of the main urban problems.
Initiatives that promote more rational use of automobiles are seen as essential for the future of mobility in large cities.
Possible Challenges in Implementation
Despite the stated benefits, the proposal faces technical and operational challenges to be implemented effectively.
One of the main ones is how the number of occupants will be counted in a fair and secure manner.
Another hurdle involves the adaptation of contracts already established with private companies that manage the highways.
For the model to work, a joint effort among government, concessionaires, and civil society will be necessary, to ensure that the discounts do not compromise the revenue allocated for road maintenance, while simultaneously encouraging shared rides.
Even so, the proposal has gained support among lawmakers and sectors related to urban mobility, who see in the measure a viable way to reduce the excess of vehicles on the roads, especially during peak seasons.
Have you ever imagined saving on tolls just by traveling with friends or family in the same car?
The idea seems simple, but it could revolutionize traffic on Brazilian roads. Would you embrace carpooling if it brought real discounts to your pocket? Comment below!
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