Overview
- Cities Minister Jader Filho said the country cannot postpone the discussion on zero fare and pledged to act quickly once the Finance Ministry delivers its numbers.
- He argued the current public‑transport funding model “does not stand,” citing rapid deterioration of services and declining ridership.
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva requested the technical work led by the Finance Ministry, with the idea reportedly suggested by deputy Jilmar Tatto.
- Reporting indicates a nationwide rollout during the current term is unlikely, with the measure more plausibly framed as a 2026 campaign plank and partial options such as Sundays and holidays under consideration.
- The ministry said it has committed nearly all of the recently released R$501.4 million and will factor in municipal zero‑fare pilots already in place on selected days.