John: "there was a time bomb in the transport sector"

PMA - Twenty-four new buses were presented this Thursday (22) to the population of Aracaju at the event square on the Atalaia waterfront, as part of a batch of 30 new vehicles that will arrive in the capital by next Saturday. The arrival of the 0km buses is part of the urban mobility plan that is being implemented by Mayor João Alves Filho to improve public transport in Aracaju.

The new vehicles arriving to integrate the public transportation system of Aracaju were acquired by Viação Modelo, one of the existing concessionaires. For the mayor, this is another step forward that will help alleviate existing transportation problems. "The arrival of these buses is part of the ongoing renewal we are making in Aracaju's urban mobility. The Modelo company is already operating in the system and is positively contributing with these new vehicles. I wish I could deliver all the buses to the population immediately. However, this is not possible because the bus manufacturers are unable to deliver."

"When we took over the administration, there was a time bomb in the transportation sector. The companies are operating in a precarious situation, without bidding. They are not concessionaires, they are permit holders. They have been in this irregular situation for 20 years, which is absurd. When there is bidding, there are rules that must be followed and penalties that can be applied to companies that do not comply. Currently, this does not exist here in Aracaju," explained the mayor, informing that next month the problems with the number of buses will be resolved. "During the month of September we will have enough buses to serve the population," he guarantees.

According to the superintendent of SMTT, Nelson Felipe, the new vehicles are arriving to alleviate the deficit left by the company that left the transportation system. "We will not remove the old buses from Viação Modelo that are already in circulation, due to the high demand from the population. We will cover two more lines that will start operating tomorrow in Piabeta and others that will serve Jardins and Parque dos Faróis."

Urban mobility

Investments in urban mobility go beyond public transportation. According to João Alves, concern for vehicle traffic routes is also part of the plan devised by the mayor.

"The 'Rodando no Macio' project is a definitive solution. Patching potholes isn't effective due to the poor condition of Aracaju's streets and avenues. I'm aware that the demand is very high. Seeking solutions to this issue, we met with the Vice-Governor of Paraíba, who will present us with new equipment for paving with hot asphalt, which has good adhesion and consequently better support, guaranteeing greater resistance," said the mayor.

João Alves also mentioned another possibility that the City Hall could adopt to be implemented in parallel with the "Rodando no Macio" project. "Yesterday I spoke with the Secretary of Public Works of Salvador, who is conducting some tests with new machines for the asphalt in Salvador. We will send our engineer to see how they work and to find out what the best solution is for Aracaju. We are working tirelessly so that the problem of Aracaju's roads finally ends."

The mayor also announced that the bus shelters will be renovated to alleviate the disruptions caused by the rain to public transport users. "The shelters are included in the transport tender we are conducting. But as an emergency measure, we are revitalizing some shelters," said João Alves.

Check out some of the routes the new buses will be using.

Augusto Franco - Bugio line (5 buses)

Fernando Collor - DAY (6 buses and 1 more starting Monday)

Circular Industry and Commerce (5 buses)

Marcos Freire III and I - DAY (5 buses)

Fernando Collor - Atalaia (3 buses)

Circular shopping 2 (5 buses)