Paraíba Intercity Bus and Ferry Fares Increase

Effective January 1, 2026, the state of Paraíba implemented a new fare adjustment for intercity bus lines and the Cabedelo-Costinha hydroway crossing. The decision was formalized through an announcement published in the Diário Oficial Estadual (State Official Gazette) on December 30, 2025. The adjustment varies by region, with the Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa seeing a lower average increase compared to the Metropolitan Region of Campina Grande and the specific ferry service.

The primary drivers for this adjustment are the rising costs of operational inputs for buses and the necessity to renew the vehicle fleet. Commuters and travelers across the state will see these changes reflected in ticket prices immediately. The most significant average increase of 4.41% applies to the urban lines in the Campina Grande metropolitan area and the vital Cabedelo-Costinha ferry connection. In contrast, the metropolitan area of João Pessoa faces an average increase of 3.8%. These figures represent the state's response to current economic conditions affecting the transportation sector.

The new fare structure became mandatory on the first day of the year, following the publication of the official notice on the last business day of 2025. The Diário Oficial Estadual served as the legal vehicle for informing the public and transportation companies about the changes. This timing ensures that operators can legally enforce the new rates starting immediately after the holiday period.

The adjustment applies to two main categories of transport services. First are the intermunicipal lines operating within the metropolitan spheres of João Pessoa and Campina Grande. Second is the hydroway crossing connecting Cabedelo and Costinha. These specific services are critical for daily commuters and regional connectivity, making the price change a significant economic event for local residents.

The fare adjustments are not uniform across the state, reflecting the distinct operational realities of different regions. The Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa faces an average adjustment of 3.8%. This region includes routes connecting the capital to surrounding municipalities such as Alhandra, Bayeux, and Cabedelo.

Conversely, the Metropolitan Region of Campina Grande and the Cabedelo-Costinha ferry route are subject to a higher average increase of 4.41%. This disparity suggests that operational costs or fleet renewal needs may be more acute in the Campina Grande area or for the specific maritime transport service.

Passengers traveling between major hubs will notice significant price updates. The route connecting João Pessoa to Campina Grande is a primary corridor for the state, and its fare has been set at R$42.50. Long-distance travel has also been adjusted, with the fare to Patos now at R$107.60 and to Conceição at R$169.90.

Shorter, urbanized routes within the João Pessoa metropolitan area have seen more modest increases in absolute terms. For example, trips to Bayeux now cost R$5.40, while travel to Santa Rita is priced at R$5.60. The list of updated fares covers a wide array of destinations, ensuring commuters have clear information on the new costs.

Here is a summary of the new fares for key routes:

• João Pessoa - Campina Grande: R$42.50
• João Pessoa - Patos: R$107.60
• João Pessoa - Cajazeiras: R$69.65
• João Pessoa - Cabedelo: R$5.60
• João Pessoa - Bayeux: R$5.40
• Campina Grande - Massaranduba: R$6.40

The rationale behind the fare hike is explicitly linked to the financial health of the transportation providers. The document mentions the increase in prices of operational inputs as a primary factor. This encompasses fuel, spare parts, and other essential materials required to keep the bus fleets running.

Additionally, the necessity to renew the vehicle fleet was cited. Maintaining a modern and safe fleet requires significant capital investment. The fare adjustment is intended to generate the revenue needed to cover these rising costs and ensure the sustainability of intercity transport services in Paraíba.