Sao Paulo residents protest against public transport fare increases

Date: 13/6/2013

Residents of Brazilian city Sao Paulo are protesting against a seven per cent increase to public transport fares which has hit buses, Metro services and train tickets.

While the authorities argue that the rises are below inflation, locals took to the streets on Tuesday night (June 11th) in a bid to air their frustration with the decision. It was the third public display of anger at the price hikes in less than a week.

Police have said they were forced to arrest 20 people after protesters set fire to a bus and moved to block the city's main road - Avenida Paulista.

The campaigns come at a sensitive time for Brazil, which is currently attempting to overhaul its transport infrastructure in time for the arrival of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Indeed, Transport for London officials have offered their counterparts in Rio assistance in planning for the influx of visitors the city will have to deal with when the Olympics start in just over three year's time.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News