In just one month, over 300 thousand passengers use the Metropolitan BRT
Integrated transport system is approved by users for providing comfort, speed, safety, and economy
The Metropolitan BRT, the fastest, most comfortable, and safest transport system, completes one month of operation this Sunday (30). Delivered by the Government of Pará, the system integrates operational and fare services between the municipalities of Castanhal, Santa Izabel do Pará, Santa Bárbara do Pará, Benevides, Marituba, Ananindeua, and Belém. Between Castanhal and the capital of Pará, there are more than 70 kilometers.
By using the integrated service, with air-conditioned buses from the fleet, it is possible to pay a single fare of R$ 4.60, with transfers at integration stations and terminals, and reach your destination.
Since November 1st, more than 300 thousand passengers have already used the new system. The implementation occurs gradually and is monitored by the Regulatory and Control Agency for Public Services of the State of Pará (Arcon).
According to Gilberto Barbosa, director of Metropolitan Transport at Arcon, the assisted operation occurs according to the schedule established with the BRT Amazônia and Autopass concessionaires.
The assisted operation of an integrated BRT service is a practice adopted in large regions, so that the user population and operators begin to adapt to the new vehicles and the service infrastructure.
“This is necessary due to the significant structural changes. Therefore, we have to do it gradually and responsibly, in stages. Even contradicting the premise of the BRT service, which requires rationalization, in this first month we coexist with the old line service,” informed Gilberto Barbosa.
“The Integrated Metropolitan Transport System began the assisted operation with a fleet of 44 vehicles, distributed across four trunk lines and five feeders. On the 25th, the network was expanded with the incorporation of 56 vehicles, including 22 electric ones, totaling a fleet of 100 vehicles in operation. The expansion of the BRT service network is generating a growing demand for the service, with an average of 20 thousand passengers per day, breaking the record on the last 28th, with 25 thousand users,” highlighted the director of Metropolitan Transport.
The BRT has 17 active lines that connect different neighborhoods of the Belém Metropolitan Region to strategic areas of the capital, such as Ver-o-Peso, Praça da Bandeira, Avenida Presidente Vargas, and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), with a single fare.
The municipalities of Santa Izabel do Pará and Castanhal have been benefited by the new service, which is transforming the mobility of residents. “It came to improve. People are praising the speed, the air conditioning, the buses are very comfortable. We can only be grateful. For us, who live in Castanhal, paying R$ 4.60 for a ticket to Ver-o-Peso is perfect. Vans charge up to R$ 35.00. It’s a big difference. Congratulations to the state government,” said Paulo Cesar da Silva Souza, who resides in Castanhal.
Quality of life - In the first month of operation, users enjoy that the vehicles do not circulate full, as the population is still getting used to the lines and routes.
The pedagogue Luciene Seabra and her son, Luciano Seabra, a student, residents of Ananindeua, approve of the service. They took advantage of the transfer at the terminal to issue the exclusive payment card. “The issuance was quick. The staff is attentive, they treated us very well. Moreover, the bus is comfortable, there is always a place to sit. For those who take overcrowded buses, it has been great. The integration between the lines is a saving for our financial situation, which is not easy,” said Luciene.
Luciano uses the BRT to travel to the educational institution. “I have friends who use the bus, and we are enjoying the trip. Some are from Benevides and Santa Bárbara, and they say that the logistics and travel time have improved a lot. They can leave home later. Now, there is lunchtime before going to school, as we study in the afternoon. With the Metropolitan BRT, I hope this makes life easier,” added the student.
Pra Já Card - Among the innovations of the new transport system is the "Pra Já", an exclusive ticket that allows fare payment via QR Code, physical rechargeable card, or the Pra Já Metropolitano app.
The issuance of the physical "Pra Já" card is done at the service points of the integration terminals in Ananindeua and Marituba, at the Cidadania Stations of São Brás and the Metrópole and Pátio Belém shopping centers.
In Santa Izabel, issuance occurs at Praça da Bandeira; in Santa Bárbara, at Espaço Styllus Produções; in Benevides, at the District Agency, and in Castanhal at Semas and CRAS Jaderlândia. Users can also schedule service through https://linktr.ee/prajametropolitano
To request the card, it is necessary to present an original photo identification document or birth certificate; CPF; and proof of residence.
Students - Students must add an official document provided by the educational institution, valid for 30 days after issuance, proving the student's enrollment for the academic year. For minors, the presence of parents or legal guardians is mandatory.
Transportation Voucher - Workers who use the Transportation Voucher (VT) should contact the HR department of the company they work for, which will be responsible for registering, issuing the cards, and requesting the benefit from the system.
To proceed with the process, companies must register on the TClient platform - an environment where, soon, it will be possible to request transportation cards for employees and purchase transportation voucher credits monthly. Registration can be done through https://tclient.inter.belem.orbi.autopasscorp.com/.
In the case of Special users (PCD), it is necessary to present an updated medical report, issued no more than six months ago, at the time of the request. Passengers entitled to free travel - Seniors - can use trunk and feeder lines, presenting their ID or the Passe Fácil card with the benefit registered until December 15.
More information about the "Pra Já" system is available at https://linktr.ee/prajametropolitano.
