São Paulo plans city tram loops

Brazil's largest city (population 12.3M) has announced plans to build new tram lines on single track circular routes in the city centre, acting as distributors from nine metro stations. 

 

The 12km system costing BRR 2bn would use BRR 1.4bn in funds from the federal government’s Growth Acceleration Program, and would feature surface contact current collection to avoid the need for overhead wires. If the public consultation and bidding process can be managed effectively, construction could start in 2024 for completion in 2027. A fare of BRR 2.20 would be charged. The project was one of the highlights of Brazil’s presentation to the COP28 summit in Dubai. 

 

São Paulo started metro operation in 1974 and there are now six lines totalling 79.3km and carrying over 1bn passengers/year. The city had a first-generation tramway system from 1900 to 1968.