Belém Public Transport Adjustments for New Year Holiday

Public transport in Belém and the metropolitan region underwent significant operational changes during the New Year holiday period. The adjustments, covering the dates from December 31 to January 4, were implemented to align service levels with anticipated passenger demand.

The Agência de Regulação e Controle dos Serviços Públicos do Pará (Arcon) and the Secretaria de Mobilidade de Belém (Segbel) coordinated the schedule modifications. Service reductions occurred on the holiday itself, while reinforcements were prepared for the return rush.

The operational schedule was divided into specific days to address varying traffic and passenger loads. On Wednesday, December 31, the system operated with a fleet adequate for a dia útil (business day), managed by the concessionaire BRT Amazônia.

On Thursday, January 1, the New Year holiday, there was a reduction of approximately 50% in bus availability. This decrease was attributed to the lower demand typically recorded during the holiday.

Friday, January 2, was classified as an atypical day due to the holiday extension. Lines operated with adjustments proportional to the demand, following the programming of the respective companies. Saturday, January 3, maintained a regular operation for the day.

On Sunday, January 4, Arcon anticipated a fleet reinforcement due to the return of the extended holiday and increased passenger flow from neighboring municipalities. The offer was expected to be equivalent to that of a Saturday, specifically within the Metropolitan BRT system.

The Secretaria de Mobilidade de Belém (Segbel) implemented specific reinforcements for certain districts. For the Mosqueiro district, Segbel reported the addition of 82 extra buses distributed throughout the holiday days to reduce passenger wait times.

However, some users traveling to Mosqueiro reported that they did not feel the impact of the increased fleet. These passengers faced queues in São Brás and noted high prices for alternative transport options.

In the Outeiro district, the number of vehicles in operation increased by 50%, according to the city administration. For residents remaining in Belém, the administration also reinforced buses on lines passing through the city center and the surroundings of the Olímpico do Mangueirão Stadium. This area hosted the 'Vira Pará' event, which featured cultural attractions on New Year's Eve.

Segbel emphasized that complaints and suggestions regarding the transport service can be submitted to the Municipal Ombudsman's Office. Residents have two primary channels to voice their concerns or feedback on the service quality.

The available contact methods are:

• Email: ouv@segbel.pmb.pa.gov.br
• WhatsApp: (91) 98415-4587