Artran Opens Public Consultation on Intermunicipal Transport Rules

The Agency of Regulation and Control of Public Transport Services (Artran) is currently conducting a public consultation regarding proposed amendments to Resolution Arcon No. 06/2018. This resolution governs alternative intermunicipal passenger transport in the state of Pará.

Key proposals under discussion include extending the operational lifespan of vehicles and clarifying hiring rules for auxiliary drivers. The consultation aims to gather input from operators and the general public to ensure that the final regulations balance safety, service quality, and economic sustainability. The process is scheduled to conclude on February 4, following a 30-day period for analysis and submission of contributions.

One of the most significant points in the public consultation is the proposal to extend the useful life of microbuses and vans used for intermunicipal transport. Under the current regulations established by Artran, the maximum permitted age for these vehicles is seven years.

The draft proposal suggests increasing this limit to 12 years. However, this extension is not automatic; it is conditional upon specific criteria. To qualify for the extended lifespan, vehicles must:

• Pass mandatory periodic technical inspections
• Meet all safety requirements
• Maintain high standards of conservation
• Adhere to strict hygiene regulations

These measures are intended to ensure that older vehicles remain safe for public use while providing operators with greater flexibility regarding their fleet investments.

The proposed changes also address the regulations surrounding the hiring of auxiliary drivers. The draft resolution aims to provide greater clarity regarding employment links and contracts within the transport sector.

The new rules would permit operators to hire drivers under two distinct frameworks: the traditional celetista (CLT) employment regime or an intermittent work contract. The introduction of the intermittent contract offers significant flexibility; drivers operating under this model are permitted to provide services to multiple operators simultaneously, provided they are properly registered with Artran.

This approach is designed to modernize labor relations within the sector, allowing drivers to maximize their earning potential while ensuring operators have access to a registered and compliant workforce.

Luciano Dias, the Director-General of Artran, highlighted the necessity of public participation in shaping these regulations. He stated, "We are dealing with changes that directly affect operators and users of alternative transport. Therefore, it is essential to listen to society, evaluate different points of view, and build a norm that conciliates safety, quality of service, and economic sustainability."

The public consultation is currently active and will remain open until February 4. This provides a total of 30 consecutive days for interested parties to access the draft resolution and submit their contributions regarding proposed alterations to articles 6, 13, and 24 of Resolution 006/2018.

Once the submission period closes, all manifestos received will undergo evaluation by the Agency's technical area. Following this review, the proposals will be submitted to the Collegiate Board for deliberation regarding the final version of the norm.

For members of the public, operators, and other stakeholders wishing to participate, complete information regarding the consultation is available. This includes the full draft of the resolution and specific guidelines on how to submit contributions.

These resources are hosted on the official website of the Agency of Regulation and Control of Public Transport Services (Artran). The agency encourages broad participation to ensure the resulting regulations reflect the needs of both the transport sector and the general public in Pará.