MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IN SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

The writer is a PhD Fellow in Public Administration and Govt. at FGV-Sao Paulo, Brazil.

He can also be reached at mumtaz86@hotmail.com

The rationale behind writing this article is to share the observed successful mass transit system in the city of Sao Paulo. By incorporating the same system in Pakistan; many fold positive results can be achieved. At present Pakistan lacks such effective mass transit systems.

Sao Paulo is one of the major states in Brazil. This state has about 40 million populations. It is considered to be the economic centre and culture hub of Brazil.  The city of Sao Paulo is the capital of Sao Paulo state. The city has almost 12 million populations. It is the largest city in South America.

The metropolitan Sao Paulo is ranked one of the top 10 largest mega-cities in the world.  The statistics shows that more than 80% Brazil’s population live in urban areas. Based on these facts one can surmise the significance of transportation in these urban areas. I am living in the city of Sao Paulo for last one year.  I am highly impressed by Brazilian transportation especially under-ground trains and the bus system including electric buses.

Under-ground trains system in Brazil is locally known as the metro. It is one of the major sources of public transportation in the city of Sao Paulo. Currently, the metro is operationalizing with 5 lines and more than 60 stations in the city. In addition, with the metro, the suburban rail system as the Paulista Company of Metropolitan Trains (CPTM) is also operating in the city.  Both the metro and the CPTM cover more than 350 KM.  It is estimated that both together carry about 1 million people on average on daily basis in the city.

 People use these trains for going to their offices and businesses etc. The electronic ticket of these trains is of very nominal value. Almost every 5 minutes   a new trains appears. There is no extra ticket to transfer to another line. Being an eye witnessed, I observed the space of these metro trains is fully capitalized with passengers. People like to use them due to their efficiently and affordability.

By using these trains, it not only saves time but the travelling is safe, comfortable and very affordable. The underground train system in Sao Paulo is considered to be one of the best subway systems in the world. It is fully equipped with modern techniques and it is very safe and efficient.

It is evident that government of Brazil is investing billions of dollars in transportation sector. They are constructing new lines and introducing new metro-trains through-out the country including Sao Paulo.  Therefore, one can very easily assess the success of the metro-trains and the commitment of Brazilian government to enhance the transport system in the country.

The other prominent futures of these trains are reduction of the green house gases (GHG) and to control the congestion of traffic on the road. It is important to highlight that Brazil reduced a record reduction in the GHG in last one decade or so. It is a fact that cars and other vehicles on road emit more pollution which increases the air pollution and enhances the GHG. Like metro trains, the buses are also contributing significantly in the city of Sao Paulo.

These buses are another major source of public transportation in the city. These buses have many routes in the city. Like metro-train the buses have also nominal fare. For every route, the buses run in regular intervals. The metro is not accessible to all areas of the city. Therefore, these buses have an important role. The bus system which is extended to even street level, having large avenues and these all avenues are connected with the suburban and underground train stations. All the bus-stops are in the nearby to each metro station so that the easily accessibility for citizens to the metro is ensured. 

The transportation system in the city of Sao Paulo may have not an ideal transport system and it have certain weaknesses that need to be addressed. However,   optimistically it is a best system and it could be taken as a role model.

Pakistan needs to employ the same successful strategy of Brazil. The incorporation of underground trains, the traffic congestions on roads could be managed. The provision of good transportation can accommodate many people. The availability of such trains will certainly bring the reduction in use of private transportation. The private flux of vehicles on road not only causes traffic jams but also induces pollution as well.

Transportation on roads is causing degradation of air quality with drastic increase in the GHG.  Pakistan being one of most vulnerable countries to climate change needs to take constructive measures.  Pakistan urgently has to control the GHG as it not only creating health issues but also causing global warming which ultimately posing serious threat to our glaciers.

These glaciers are the main source for agriculture sector and Pakistan majorly relies on the water of the glaciers for drinking purpose. It is estimated that if Pakistan is unable to control the GHG emission and the glaciers melt with the same ratio for next 2-3 decades, it will face more flooding, scarcity of water, food security and even severe energy crises.

Pakistan is facing the energy crises for last few years. It is pertinent to mention that the country has the potential to save at-least 20% of its energy used in transport sector by introducing an effective transportation system in the country. Therefore, the government should have to take comprehensive steps for effective and sustainable public transportation.

In this regard, relevant assistance could be taken from Brazil or any other country who implemented the same successful mass transit system. The introduction of the Metro Buses in the city of Lahore and in the capital city of Islamabad is a positive step taken by government to improve the transportation in Pakistan. However, it is not suffice but need to do much more.....