Federal Court Ends Time Limits on Elderly Interstate Bus Discounts

Overview

• A federal court in Rondônia made a decision final this week that annuls ANTT rules requiring 6‑ or 12‑hour advance windows and gives nationwide effect to the change.
• The ruling affirms the Estatuto da Pessoa Idosa right that people aged 60 or older with income at or below two minimum wages are entitled to at least a 50% discount on interstate bus fares.
• Carriers must accept proof of age and income at ticket counters, publish seat availability online, and provide a written explanation if they refuse the discount so passengers can file complaints with ANTT.
• The judgment does not remove the separate rules for the two free seats reserved for low‑income seniors, which remain subject to existing advance‑request and terminal‑arrival requirements.
• Practically, the change should let eligible seniors buy discounted interstate tickets as soon as a trip is offered for sale, improving access for low‑income travelers and shifting oversight to ANTT and bus companies to ensure compliance.