Rio has more than 2,800 buses vandalized in one year; 145 of them were used as barricades by criminals | Rio de Janeiro

Rio has more than 2,800 buses vandalized in one year

The city of Rio de Janeiro recorded more than 2,800 vandalized buses in the last 12 months. Of these, 145 vehicles were used by criminals as barricades. Due to the damage, Rio Ônibus, the union that brings together the companies, launches this Friday (26) the campaign “Whoever creates does not falter”.

“Vandalism ranges from the hijacking of a bus to use as barricades and the burning of a vehicle, to graffiti, a torn seat, broken glass,” said Paulo Valente, spokesman for Rio Ônibus.

According to union data, the city has an average of 230 vehicles set on fire per month. The survey data covers the months of April between 2023 and this year.

The damage caused amounts to more than R$46 million in repairs throughout the year.

Throughout 2023, 6.5 million Rio residents were directly affected by vandalism.

Valente highlights that, on an operational day, like this Friday, drivers are advised to take alternative routes. The Civil and Military police carry out a major joint operation in Complexo do Alemão, in the North Zone of the city, with the aim of arresting criminals from other states who have sought shelter in the group of favelas, dominated by Comando Vermelho, the largest drug faction in Rio de Janeiro. January.

“It is something that causes us concern due to the risk of bus vandalization and the issue of mobility in the city. Because lines that run close to Complexo do Alemão and move towards the center. There, people integrate to the South Zone and other regions. The right to come and go is impaired. It’s more than the financial loss. It is the city that is being questioned”, concluded the Rio Ônibus spokesperson.