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Get Ready, Foz do Itajaí-Açu: A Revolution on Wheels and Underwater Is Coming! With an investment of R$ 138 million, the government of Santa Catarina, under the leadership of Governor Jorginho Mello, signed a protocol that brings to light the long-awaited mobility project. In a move worthy of a blockbuster, the promise is to transform the transport of Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú, and nine other cities in the region with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an integrated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system and an underwater tunnel connecting Itajaí to Navegantes.
The project, named Promobis, is grand in every way: in addition to the millions from the government, it will also have unprecedented international financing, with participation from the World Bank, which will disburse 90 million dollars to ensure this new mobility network gets off the ground and into operation.
Mobility Project: A Milestone in Building a New Future
During the signing, Governor Jorginho Mello highlighted the importance of this mobility project as one of the greatest infrastructure milestones in the State. Alongside other initiatives, such as the Good Road Program and improvements in state highways, this proposal is a true leap for the region.
The government of Santa Catarina will be responsible for coordinating a series of essential actions for the realization of Promobis, including building a public-private partnership for the submerged tunnel. Additionally, it is the government’s responsibility to enable the concession notice and ensure grants for companies that will operate the integrated public transport system. The commitment also includes supporting municipalities with expropriations and logistical adjustments, which are fundamental for the success of this regional transformation.
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Four Pillars of the Mobility Project
Promobis consists of four central elements that will shape the new reality of urban mobility in the Foz do Itajaí-Açu:
Integrated Public Transport (BRT): A public transport network will connect 11 cities through a 100% electric BRT system with exclusive lanes.
Underwater Tunnel Between Itajaí and Navegantes: An iconic project that will ensure a quick connection between the municipalities, made possible by a public-private partnership.
Micromobility in Balneário Camboriú: Plans to modernize local mobility with sustainable alternatives.
Institutional Capacity Building: Investment in training and strengthening public management to keep up with the region’s growth.
The idea is for a worker to be able to cross from Bombinhas to Balneário Piçarras in up to 65 minutes, paying only R$ 10, a much more affordable rate than the current R$ 22 for the journey. In other words, less time and more savings for those who depend on public transport daily.
Partnerships, Construction, and Investments: The Force Behind the Project
The construction of the project will be largely financed by international resources, but the municipalities will also contribute. Of the 138 million reais, the integration of public transport will receive the largest share, with 43 million dollars guaranteed by the World Bank and 23 million dollars from the consortia municipalities. This robust fund will be reserved for the future, covering maintenance and new demands of the network.
The underwater tunnel, in turn, will have 8 million dollars—divided between financing and counterpart—while micromobility in Balneário Camboriú will be the only one with financing exclusively from the municipality itself, a local effort to promote sustainable transport options.
The Future of Foz do Itajaí-Açu Starts Now
The presence of representatives from the World Bank and mayors from the region at the signing of the letter of intent was a strong indication of the impact that Promobis will have not only on the construction of mobility but also on the economic development of the entire area. In addition to reducing travel time and costs, the mobility project will strengthen integration and boost regional growth, positioning Foz do Itajaí-Açu as a reference in mobility and infrastructure.
For João Luiz Demantova, coordinator of Promobis, the goal is clear: “We will build the great metropolis we want to be in the future.” More than words, it is a vision that comes to life with each investment made, transforming the daily commutes of workers and residents into a practical, accessible, and modern experience.
The mobility project is a milestone, and the promise is that this investment is just the beginning of a new phase for Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú, and the region, heading towards a future of efficient and sustainable mobility.
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