After Clash Over BRT Link, State to Run Mesquita–Margaridas Pilot as Rio Halts Its Line

Overview

• The city’s Line 77 between Terminal Margaridas in Irajá and Mesquita was suspended hours after launch when Detro ruled the intermunicipal service illegal.
• Detro fined the operation, towed two MobiRio buses in Mesquita and threatened arrests during enforcement before a pause was negotiated.
• Beginning Tuesday, the state will run three trial routes linking Mesquita and the terminal from 9:00 to 15:30 with 15 buses, with trips outside those hours continuing to Central do Brasil.
• The pilot fare is set at R$ 6.70, contrasting with the city’s new BUM integration ticket priced at R$ 9.20 for three hours on municipal connections.
• Mesquita’s city hall said it did not authorize stops and will notify Rio’s administration, as Mayor Eduardo Paes and Governor Cláudio Castro remain at odds and the city prepares administrative appeals.