Expresso Vera Cruz makes a commitment to MPPE to improve public transport in Pernambuco this Tuesday (30)

Measures include the temporary suspension of the operation of 12 bus lines, which will be transferred to other operators already operating in the Metropolitan Region

YURI SENA

This Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the public transport operator Expresso Vera Cruz made commitments to the Public Ministry of Pernambuco (MPPE) to improve the provision of services to passengers.

The measures include the temporary suspension, initially for 90 days, of the operation of 12 bus lines, which will be transferred to other operators already operating in the Metropolitan Region. Furthermore, the company has committed to reinforcing its fleet of vehicles to ensure an adequate number of trips on the lines it will continue to operate. Other requirements of the Greater Recife Metropolitan Transport Consortium (CTM) will also be met, including the payment of fines for non-compliance with regulations.

The Transport Prosecutor, Leonardo Caribé, highlighted the joint effort that resulted in this commitment. He emphasized that Expresso Vera Cruz agreed to adopt comprehensive measures to improve its operation, such as acquiring new buses, ensuring maintenance of existing vehicles and updating inspections. The total amount of fines to be paid by the company is estimated at around 10 million reais.

Monitoring of the measures will be carried out by the CTM, the Bus Workers Union of Recife and Metropolitan Region, the Association of Independent Benefits of Bus Workers of Pernambuco (Abirpe), the Superior Council for Metropolitan Transport and the State Secretariat for Mobility and Infrastructure. These entities are responsible for identifying possible irregularities and activating the CTM and MPPE, if necessary.

Clayton Leal, user representative at the Metropolitan Transport Superior Council, highlighted the importance of verifying the implementation of service orders, especially considering the current negative impact on user experience due to the lack of collectives.

To ensure compliance with operational clauses, penalties are foreseen, including fines and other actions in accordance with the regulations of the public passenger transport system, as well as fines stipulated in the Conduct Adjustment Term (TAC).

In case of non-payment of fines according to the agreed schedule, Expresso Vera Cruz may be fined and vehicles given as collateral, with Grande Recife Consórcio de Transportes authorized to take possession and sell them to guarantee receipt of the debts.

Yuri Sena, for Diário do Transporte