In Brazil, those on low incomes, which particularly includes women and people of colour, rely on local public transport to get around in their daily lives. The quality of this transport has declined significantly: disadvantaged neighbourhoods are poorly served, passengers feel unsafe, and women, in particular, fear assault and sexual harassment. People are switching to private means of transport more and more, if they can afford it. As a result, transport-related CO2 emissions and air pollutants are rising. Low passenger numbers are causing local public transport to reduce services even more. Access among disadvantaged groups to jobs and health and education institutions is worsening.
The project is improving the quality of local public transport in cooperation with the Brazilian Government and Brazilian cities. Services are aligned with the needs of women and people of colour.
The project focuses on various levers:
Together with the Brazilian Ministry of Cities, interest groups and civil society, it develops standards that mainstream the needs of women and people of colour in national guidelines for local public transport and in support programmes.
At local level, it advises two cities in order to legally safeguard the quality of local public transport through contracts. It also works with these cities to develop measures to improve safety and comfort on local public transport. The project shares lessons learned with other cities and the national government.
To improve local public transport planning in Brazil over the long term and tailor it to the main users, the project works with scientific institutes to develop methods to collect and analyse data.
Training focuses on involving civil society and improves the expertise of decision-makers and experts in ministries, city administrations and local public transport companies.