By Patricia Spears
Public Transportation
Brazil has many public transportation options, but not many are safe. Metro systems exist in Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio, Sao Paulo, and Teresina[i]. Fares for the metro run about R$2.50 for a one-way ride. [ii] Every major city in Brazil will also have a bus system, with reasonable fares of about R$1.50-R$2.50, but fares have increased recently, and people who regularly use the bus system are protesting over the fare increases (see below)[iii]. Busses systems have many issues with petty theft, and with ongoing protests, safety is a concern[iv]. One of the cities, Curbita, has one of the most advanced bus systems in the Brazil, utilizing the Bus Rapid Transit system, which is both safe and reliable. Unfortunately, the modernity of Curbita is an exception in the country.[v] Brazil intended to overhaul much of its transportation prior to the World Cup, but has not done so yet. There may be new transportation options by the time matches start.
Safest Options
The best option is to take a taxi or a bus operated by the city specifically for the game, as these will be much safer than public transportation options. If you have a concern about safety, ask the hotel to advise you. They will let you know if a bus is safely chartered by the city. Taxis are another safe option, but to stay safe, only use yellow taxis, as some city busses look like large van-style taxis, and remember that a taxi fare will always be in the Brazilian Real. A driver asking you to pay in euros or dollars may be ripping you off.
Protests & Controversy
Brazil raised prices for bus fare in 2012, sparking protests in Rio, Salvador, and other major cities across the country. Many protesters are young university students who relied on the low-cost option to make it to school, work, and other necessary functions. Despite the fact that the government promised earlier this year to reverse the decision, protests have continued, and even worsened. In October, the protests became more violent when a group in Sao Paulo vandalised turnstiles and ATMs, and set fire to the busses at the station. Demands are now focused on free public transportation, but have also widened to include general unrest about the cost of the World Cup. Travelers should avoid using public transportation, but especially avoid bus stations–they are likely to be an area of mass protest, which could quickly become a safety concern. [vi]
[i] “Brazil Rail – Trains.” Brazil Rail – Trains. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.
[ii] “Brazil.” Transport in. The Lonely Planet, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013
[iii] “Brazil Riot Police Teargas Bus Fare-rise Protesters amid Mass Clashes.” Brazil Riot Police Teargas Bus Fare-rise Protesters amid Mass Clashes (PHOTOS, VIDEO) – RT News. RT News, 26 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <http://rt.com/news/brazil-riot-bus-station-774/>.
[iv] “Brazil.” Transport in. The Lonely Planet, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013
[v] Goodman, Joseph, Melissa Laube, and Judith Schwenk. “Curitiba’s Bus System Is Model for Rapid Transit.” Welcome to Urban Habitat. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <http://www.urbanhabitat.org/node/344>.
[vi] “Brazil Bus Fare Protests Turn Violent.” – Americas. N.p., 26 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/10/brazil-bus-fares-protest-turn-violent-201310265584530278.html>.
http://on.rt.com/74sp6q
How to cite this page: “Getting to the Game: Transportation Within a City,” Written by Patricia Spears (2013), World Cup 2014, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/world-cup-2014/world-cup-2014-fan-guide/anglophone-version/methods-of-transportation/getting-to-the-game/ (accessed on (date)).
