Brazil Unveils $90 Billion Mega Plan to Revolutionize Public Transport by 2054

For millions of Brazilians, daily commutes mean overcrowded buses, gridlocked streets, and hours lost in transit. Now, a historic national strategy promises to transform urban mobility across the country’s largest cities. According to Brazil’s comprehensive National Urban Mobility Study conducted by BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and the Ministry of Cities, the government will invest R$500 billion (approximately $90 billion USD) over the next three decades to dramatically expand high-capacity public transportation. This ambitious initiative targets 21 metropolitan regions housing nearly half of Brazil’s population.

Brazil’s Public Transport Transformation Blueprint

The 30-year roadmap—the most extensive urban mobility plan in Brazil’s history—aims to nearly double existing infrastructure. Currently, major cities operate just over 2,000 kilometers of rapid transit networks, including metros, trains, and bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors. The approved projects will add 2,500 kilometers of new lines by 2054. Key components include:

• 323 kilometers of new metro lines
• 96 kilometers of urban rail expansions
• 1,930 kilometers of BRT and light rail corridors
• 157 kilometers of exclusive busways

Researchers analyzed 400 proposals before selecting 194 priority projects. These focus on high-density areas with the worst transit access—from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to northern hubs like Manaus and Belém. The goal? Ensure over 80% of residents live within one kilometer of a transit station, up from today’s limited coverage. As urban planner Dr. Ana Nogueira notes, “This isn’t just about rails and roads—it’s about reconnecting marginalized communities to economic opportunities.”

Tackling Decades of Transit Decline

The massive investment responds to a troubling trend: Public transport usage has steadily fallen over 20 years due to rising fares, chronic overcrowding, and paralyzing traffic congestion. Ride-hailing apps further diverted passengers, while COVID-19 emptied stations and crippled operators’ finances. “Many working-class Brazilians spend 4+ hours daily commuting,” says Transport Workers Union representative Carlos Silva. “When buses crawl through traffic at walking speed, people abandon them.”

The study emphasizes integrated solutions—linking new metro lines to bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. For example:

• São Paulo’s planned Line 6 (Orange) will connect northern districts to the city center
• Rio’s TransCarioca BRT expansion aims to slash cross-city travel times
• Curitiba—a global BRT pioneer—will modernize its decades-old system

Success hinges on sustained funding and anti-sprawl policies. “Building stations isn’t enough,” warns BNDES infrastructure specialist Marcos Oliveira. “We must discourage car-centric development that perpetuates congestion.”

Brazil’s $90 billion public transport overhaul represents a generational chance to reshape urban life—prioritizing efficiency, equity, and sustainability. If executed faithfully, it could lift mobility for 100+ million residents while setting a global benchmark for emerging economies. Citizens deserve nothing less than a transit revolution—demand accountability as these projects unfold.

Must Know

What cities will benefit from Brazil’s public transport plan?

The initiative targets 21 metropolitan regions including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Recife, Salvador, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and northern capitals like Belém and Manaus. These areas collectively house 48% of Brazil’s population.

How will the $90 billion be funded?

Funding will combine federal resources, state/municipal contributions, and BNDES financing. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also anticipated, particularly for metro and rail projects requiring specialized expertise.

Why has public transport usage declined in Brazil?

According to the National Urban Mobility Study, key factors include fare increases exceeding wage growth, extended travel times due to traffic, unreliable service, and the rise of app-based ride services. Pandemic lockdowns accelerated the decline, reducing ridership by up to 70% in 2020.

When will new transit lines become operational?

Projects will be implemented in phases through 2054. Priority corridors in cities like São Paulo and Rio could open within 5–10 years, while full build-out of light rail and BRT networks may take decades.

How will this plan reduce traffic and pollution?

By providing efficient alternatives to private vehicles, the government projects a 15–30% decrease in urban car usage in served corridors. Electric buses and trains will further cut emissions, aligning with Brazil’s climate commitments.