With an investment of R$12 billion, the Eixo Oeste Intercity Train project promises not only to revolutionize mobility between São Paulo and Sorocaba, but also to bring innovations that include accessibility and integration with various modes of transport.
A new chapter in state mobility São Paulo began to be written with the advancement of the Eixo Oeste Intercity Train project, which promises to connect the capital of São Paulo to the city of Sorocaba in just 60 minutes.
The state government's most recent announcement, made on April 30, involves opening a public consultation to discuss aspects of the project, estimated to cost an impressive $ 12 billion.
More than speed and time savings, the project surprises by including a series of unprecedented measures aimed at social well-being, such as spaces for breastfeeding, daycare centers and actions to prevent harassment in carriages and stations.
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Expected to serve around 50 thousand passengers per day, the train will play a strategic role in transforming urban mobility and integrating different regions of the state.
Public consultation is open until June
According to the Secretariat of Investment Partnerships (SPI), the public consultation on the Intercity Train Eixo Oeste will be open between April 30 and June 2, 2025.
The population will be able to send contributions and suggestions through an electronic form, available on the official SPI website.
Both individuals and legal entities are invited to participate., as long as they provide contact information (such as email or telephone number) and follow the model established by the government.
Proposals received after the deadline or without mandatory information will be disregarded.
This type of participation has proven to be an effective strategy for making large public works more transparent and aligned with the real demands of society.
Openness to suggestions also allows for a broader debate on environmental, social and operational issues involved in the project.
Project aims at efficiency and regional integration
The Intercity Train (TIC) Eixo Oeste will be approximately 100 kilometers long and should operate with two types of service: express and stopover.
The first will make the direct journey between São Paulo and Sorocaba in one hour, while the second will also serve intermediate cities along the way.
Saving time is one of the biggest attractions: according to the government, the train will be until 50% faster than bus travel and will have a reduction of more than 40% in time compared to the car journey.
The billion-dollar investment includes the construction and modernization of stations, the purchase of new trains, the installation of modern security systems and integration with existing modes, such as CPTM, the Metro and the future TIC Eixo Norte.
This interconnection between systems can revolutionize the way people move around the metropolitan region of São Paulo.
A train with a social purpose
If operational efficiency would already be a highlight in itself, the social aspect of the project is what draws the most attention.
The Eixo Oeste Intercity Train will be the first in the country to systematically incorporate spaces adapted for different audiences, promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Among the innovations are bathrooms adapted for people with disabilities, breastfeeding rooms, support areas for daycare centers and coordinated actions to combat harassment on trains and in stations.
These measures aim not only to offer comfort, but also to guarantee the safety and dignity of users, especially women and people with reduced mobility.
These elements, generally ignored in infrastructure works in Brazil, show an evolution in the way public transport projects are designed. This is a clear effort to offer a more human, modern and safe mobility experience.
Potential to drive economic development
In addition to the impact on mobility, the Intercity Train project has the potential to boost the regional economy, facilitating access for workers, students and tourists to the main cities in the western axis of São Paulo.
Sorocaba, with more than 700 thousand inhabitants, is considered one of the most promising industrial and technological hubs in the state.
The quick connection to the capital can attract investments, generate jobs and stimulate urban decentralization – one of the great challenges of metropolises like São Paulo.
With the integration between different modes and the possible creation of new commercial corridors, the train could contribute to real estate appreciation in the regions served, in addition to stimulating the services sector.
Expectation for the next stage
The public consultation is a strategic phase, but the government of São Paulo will still need to overcome technical and bureaucratic stages before the works begin.
The expectation is that the project concession notice will be published after the analysis of the suggestions sent.
The public-private partnership (PPP) model should be adopted to attract investors and ensure the viability of the project without directly burdening public coffers.
In similar projects, this type of partnership has shown good results, but requires rigorous monitoring to ensure quality and compliance with deadlines.
The official schedule has not yet been released, but sources close to the project say that The commercial operation of the TIC Eixo Oeste could begin by the end of the decade, if the procedures progress as expected.
With a billion-dollar investment, a focus on efficiency and innovative social solutions, the Eixo Oeste Intercity Train promises not only to shorten distances, but also to transform the way public transport is thought of in Brazil.
And you, do you think Brazil is ready for this new transportation model? What other route should be prioritized in the coming years?
This is truly an important project… Sorocaba, due to its importance in the state and federal scenario, deserves such an investment. It is essential that we also think about modernizing the city's infrastructure, especially its transit routes, the intercity bus station integrated with the new railway terminal… Sorocaba is experiencing a period of impressive demographic growth. Our leaders are certainly aware of these demands, because otherwise, how can we define something that goes beyond chaos???
Train to Campinas. Other states
The photo can only be a joke. The ideological filter makes people mediocre.