Natal Announces 50% Public Transport Discount for 2026 Holidays

The Secretaria de Mobilidade Urbana de Natal has confirmed the schedule for the social fare benefit on public transport for the year 2026. The initiative mandates a 50% discount on bus and optional transport fares across the city on designated holidays.

The schedule was formally published in the Diário Oficial do Município and covers a comprehensive list of dates recognized at the municipal, state, and federal levels. This measure ensures that residents have access to affordable transportation during 15 specific holidays throughout the year, ranging from the Confraternização Universal on January 1st to Natal on December 25th.

The Secretaria de Mobilidade Urbana de Natal has officially published the calendar for the social fare benefit in the Diário Oficial do Município. According to the announcement, the benefit consists of a 50% discount on fares for collective public transport by bus and optional transport.

This discount is applied specifically on holidays recognized by the municipal, state, and federal governments. The measure is designed to facilitate mobility for the population during non-working days, ensuring that travel costs are significantly reduced for commuters and families enjoying the holidays.

The social fare benefit will be active on 15 distinct dates in 2026. The schedule covers a wide range of cultural, religious, and historical observances relevant to Natal and the wider Brazilian community.

The dates confirmed for the 50% discount are:

• January 1 (Friday) – Confraternização Universal
• January 6 (Wednesday) – Santos Reis
• February 17 (Tuesday) – Carnaval
• April 3 (Friday) – Sexta-feira Santa
• April 21 (Tuesday) – Tiradentes
• May 1 (Friday) – Dia do Trabalhador
• June 4 (Thursday) – Corpus Christi
• June 29 (Sunday) – São Pedro
• September 7 (Monday) – Independência do Brasil
• October 3 (Saturday) – Mártires de Cunhaú e Uruaçú
• October 12 (Monday) – Nossa Senhora Aparecida
• November 2 (Monday) – Finados
• November 15 (Sunday) – Proclamação da República
• November 20 (Friday) – Dia Nacional de Zumbi dos Palmares e da Consciência Negra
• November 21 (Saturday) – Nossa Senhora da Apresentação
• December 25 (Friday) – Natal

Among the dates listed, specific holidays hold particular significance for the region. The Mártires de Cunhaú e Uruaçú, observed on October 3, are recognized as the patron saints of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Additionally, Nossa Senhora da Apresentação, celebrated on November 21, is the patron saint of the city of Natal itself.

By including these specific dates, the Secretaria de Mobilidade Urbana de Natal ensures that local traditions are supported through accessible public transport. The inclusion of federal and state holidays ensures a consistent benefit structure for all residents of Natal regardless of the origin of the holiday declaration.