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São Paulo is About to Take a Bold Step in Its Transportation Infrastructure, with Railway Projects That Promise to Transform Commuting and Regional Development at Different Points in the State.
A new train linking São Paulo to Baixada Santista promises to transform mobility between the capital and the coast, with a direct impact on the economy and traffic.
According to the Partnerships and Investments Secretariat (SPI) of the Government of São Paulo, the Intercity Train (TIC) South Axis is in an advanced stage of studies and is expected to benefit around 1.8 million people in nine municipalities.
The construction plans to create approximately 13 thousand job positions, in addition to contributing to the relief of traffic on the congested Anchieta and Imigrantes highways.
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The route, with an estimated length of 80 km to 130 km, should be covered in up to 90 minutes.
According to the SPI, the proposal was approved in June 2024, but will still go through essential stages: public hearing, definition of the edital, holding of auction, and signing of contract before actual implementation.
The project is part of a set of investments in railway infrastructure aimed at strengthening regional integration, reducing car use, and expanding the availability of medium and long-distance public transportation.
Two Routes to Reach the Coast
The project proposes two possible routes to connect the São Paulo capital to the coast.
The first option involves using the Line 10 – Turquoise of CPTM to the city of Rio Grande da Serra, continuing on the existing railway to Paranapiacaba.
From there, the descent from Serra do Mar would be made through a rack-and-pinion system, an old technique used for transporting cargo and passengers on inclined terrain.
This solution takes advantage of already installed tracks, which could expedite part of the execution, but will require technological adaptations to ensure efficiency and safety in modern passenger transport.
The second option, more ambitious, would start from the South Zone of São Paulo, with the possibility of using the Line 9 – Emerald of CPTM or even constructing a new route passing through the Imigrantes Highway.
In this scenario, the descent to the coast would cross important valleys such as those of the rivers Capivari, Branquinho, Aguapeú, and Branco, in a stretch that would demand excavations, tunnels, and heavy engineering.
The proposal connects to the old Santos-Cajati railway, being a more direct alternative for passenger flow, but also more expensive and complex in execution terms.
TIC East Axis: Vale do Paraíba Will Also Be Serviced
Another project under analysis by the São Paulo government is the TIC East Axis, which aims to connect the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo to Vale do Paraíba, reducing travel time between regions to about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Among the alternatives studied are the existing CPTM lines:
- Line 11 – Coral: after Mogi das Cruzes, it faces the challenge of operating on a network under MRS Logística concession.
- Line 12 – Sapphire: it offers the shortest route, but would require significant works for adjustments.
- Line 13 – Jade: which already connects the capital to Guarulhos Airport, presents integration potential.
These connections promise not only to improve regional mobility but also to stimulate the local economy and reduce dependence on road transport.
VLT Campinas: Connection with Viracopos and Reduction of Cars on the Streets
While the TICs target longer routes, the city of Campinas is preparing for a Light Vehicle on Rails (VLT) that will connect the municipalities of Sumaré, Hortolândia, and Campinas, with a branch to the Viracopos International Airport.
The project, according to the SPI, aims to provide a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transport, with a direct impact on urban mobility.
The VLT is being designed to replace part of the use of cars, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions and congestion in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas.
Additionally, the plan includes the revitalization of urban areas, installation of new transport axes, and integration with buses, BRT, and other urban mobility solutions.
The connection with the future TIC Campinas line further strengthens intermunicipal mobility.
VLT Sorocaba: New Alternative to Cars and Buses
In the same vein, Sorocaba is also expected to receive a medium-capacity VLT, with a planned route to utilize the existing railway corridor in the East-West direction, promoting integration with the future TIC West Axis.
According to the SPI, the goal is to reduce car use, offer more public transport options, and enhance the already installed infrastructure.
Feasibility studies also analyze demand behavior, something crucial to ensure the economic sustainability of the project.
Sorocaba could gain a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system, which will serve the growing population of the region.
Strategic Investment and Challenges Ahead
The implementation of the TICs and VLTs represents a long-term strategy of the government of São Paulo to modernize the public transport network and rebalance dependence on road transport.
The projects foresee technical and environmental challenges, especially in the mountain sections, but are seen as essential to keep pace with the growth of cities.
With a model that mixes public-private partnerships (PPP) and railway concessions, the intention is to attract private investors interested in participating in the expansion of national infrastructure, especially at a time when the country seeks more sustainable and technological alternatives for passenger transport.
According to data updated in March 2025, the São Paulo government is exploring ways to expedite the start of construction, especially for the TIC South Axis, which is considered the project with the greatest immediate impact on logistics and employment.
And now? Do you think the train between São Paulo and the coast will finally come to fruition? Or will it be another promise that stays on the tracks of forgetfulness? Comment below!
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