São Paulo Bus Drivers Halt Service Over Unpaid Year-End Bonuses, Snarling Traffic

Overview

• Service began shutting down around 4:30 p.m. as multiple operators pulled buses from routes across the city after a fresh delay in 13th‑month pay.
• Union leaders say companies postponed both installments of the 13th salary and vacation meal vouchers after previously proposing payment by December 12.
• CET recorded 1,460 km of congestion at 7 p.m., the year’s worst, and the city suspended vehicle rotation as commuters faced crowded terminals and pricier ride-hail trips.
• SPTrans and the municipal mobility secretariat filed a police report at the mayor’s direction, with Ricardo Nunes calling operators “irresponsible” and asserting city transfers are up to date.
• Operators, through SPUrbanuss, cite cash‑flow pressures tied to a quadrennial contract review expected at the TCM on December 10, while the union plans early‑morning assemblies and notes some firms, such as Transwolff, remained in operation.