Motorcycle taxi app starts operating in São Paulo.

Flávia Albuquerque – Reporter for Agência Brasil

A new passenger transport service, which will offer motorcycle taxis in addition to popular and executive cars, began operating this Wednesday (30) in the capital of São Paulo. Even without being regulated by the City of São Paulo, which considers the service unsafe, the T81 app is operating and intends to offer rides at a lower price than a similar app, Uber. T81 is already operating in Rio de Janeiro and Recife, but, although the motorcycle taxi service is recognized by federal law no. 12.009 of 2009, it is up to the municipalities to regulate the activity in the city.

According to one of T81's directors, Eduardo Pereira, T81's distinguishing feature is that it doesn't have dynamic pricing (fares that increase according to demand), pays the driver a fixed amount regardless of the fare, accepts cash payments, and is the only app that offers a motorcycle taxi option. Pereira said he is aware that in São Paulo, there isn't the habit of using this type of transportation, as in other Brazilian cities, and that there is also a lack of encouragement from the city government, which claims there is a risk of accidents.

“We understand that, because our service is private and because of the ease of mobility, the single-taxi system will bring functionality to the residents of São Paulo. In Recife and Rio de Janeiro, we are already operating normally. I think that, here in São Paulo, it will be like Uber, which generated controversy when it arrived. We are going to put it into operation. Our legal team will work with the city hall, and we know that, with the approval of the population, our service will end up being accepted and the city hall will regulate it,” said Pereira.

The director of T81 emphasized that one of the main arguments used by the city hall for not regulating motorcycle taxis in the city, the lack of safety, is the main concern of the app's partners. “Our system can understand the speed the motorcyclist was traveling at. They cannot exceed 60 km/h, they need to have a spare helmet, in addition to the service standard we have adopted. We will monitor each ride of each of our partners at all times. And each completed ride will be rated by the passenger. If the driver receives a rating lower than 4 twice, they are disqualified.”

According to a statement from the city hall, the municipal administration will intensify its inspection of unregulated individual passenger transport services in the city. “In a decree published in May, and after several public hearings, the city hall regulated the circulation of motor vehicles with up to seven passengers, which does not include transport on two-wheeled vehicles. In 2009, there were questions about the matter and a bill was even presented to the City Council. But the service was not officially created,” the statement says.

The São Paulo City Hall explained that the oversight of individual transportation services, which includes motorcycle taxis, falls under the responsibility of the Public Transportation Department (DTP) of the Municipal Transportation Secretariat, and, to date, there are no records of this type of activity being caught in the act in the city.

One of the arguments for maintaining the ban is that transportation by motorcycle is unsafe and can cause accidents. According to city hall data, in 2015 there were 370 fatal accidents involving motorcyclists, representing 37% of the total fatal accidents (992) that year; another 117 victims suffered injuries caused by traffic accidents. In 2014, there were 440 fatalities and 149 injuries. In 2013, there were 403 fatalities and 128 injuries. In 2012, there were 438 fatalities and 166 injuries.

"Therefore, the municipality of São Paulo understands that the service is not in accordance with the city's needs due to the intense traffic and the risk of traffic accidents that this type of service would entail for citizens in a city with the characteristics of São Paulo," says the statement from the city hall. It also notes that, due to its complexity, the matter deserves to be widely discussed.

According to the Union of Messengers, Motorcyclists, Motorcycle Taxi Drivers and Cyclists of the State of São Paulo (SindimotosSP), allowing the service could open new job opportunities in the city and minimize the impact of the economic crisis. However, the organization understands that there is a law prohibiting the use of motorcyclists for the paid transport of passengers and it is necessary to comply with current laws.

Engineer Gisele Santos, 35, said she would never ride a motorcycle taxi, precisely because she considers motorcycles an unsafe means of transportation. "I think it's very dangerous to ride a motorcycle here in São Paulo because other drivers don't respect it." For agronomist Cristiana Guerreiro, 36, this would be her last transportation option, but she believes the idea could be embraced by São Paulo residents. "For those who are brave enough, a motorcycle taxi is a good idea. Like Uber, which arrived offering advantages, I believe this service could be interesting," said Cristiana.

For administrative assistant Ellen Cristina dos Santos, 26, motorcycle taxis would be a great option because of their ease and speed. “Today we live with very little time. I wouldn't be afraid, I wouldn't have any problem, because I ride a motorcycle calmly with my husband. Motorcycle taxis will help because access is easier with motorcycles.”

Motorcycle courier Joilson da Costa Souza, 32, has been working in deliveries for five years and, for him, the new service could mean more job opportunities for motorcyclists in São Paulo. “It’s another option for motorcyclists who work on the street, however, due to the high rate of motorcycle accidents, there’s a low expectation of service. But it’s a good idea and many people will migrate to this field. Since the city is chaotic, it’s a good transportation option and will help many people who need to get around quickly.”