SP: 61% of drivers are willing to leave their cars at home.
A study by Rede Nossa São Paulo and Ibope on Urban Mobility indicates that a good alternative to public transportation is a condition for change; on average, residents of São Paulo spend two hours and fifteen minutes in traffic daily, and 69% rate the city's traffic as bad or very bad.
Agency Brazil
São Paulo - The number of São Paulo residents willing not to use their car, if there is a good public transport alternative, increased from 44% in 2012 to 61% this year, according to the seventh survey on Urban Mobility by Rede Nossa São Paulo and Ibope released today (16).
According to the survey, 27% of respondents use a car every day (in 2012, it was 23%). Furthermore, residents of São Paulo spend an average of two hours and fifteen minutes daily in traffic, and 69% rate the city's traffic as bad or terrible.
The research also shows that interest in recreational bike lanes has decreased. In 2012, 67% said they would use the dedicated bike lanes on Sundays and holidays. This year, that percentage has fallen to 60%.
The recent exclusive bus lanes were approved by respondents: 93% said they were in favor of the measure. Approval among São Paulo residents also increased for controversial measures to improve traffic in the city, such as urban tolls (from 17% in 2012 to 27% in 2013); two-day vehicle rotation restrictions (from 37% in 2012 to 49% in 2013); and even fines for pedestrians (from 34% in 2012 to 54% in 2013).
Regarding the recent demonstrations across the country, 58% said they were in favor, as long as there was no disruption to traffic, and 34% were in favor even if they caused interruptions and congestion in the city.
Regarding the cost of public transportation, 56% advocated for an intermediate fare (half the fare paid by the user and the remainder by the government), 34% favored a zero fare (fully subsidized by the government), and 7% opted for a full fare (fully paid by the user). Regarding the zero fare, 46% said it was a possible and viable measure for everyone. For 29%, the benefit should only apply to students and the unemployed, and 21% consider the measure unfeasible.
Of all those interviewed, 53% were against raising gasoline prices to subsidize the fare reduction, while 45% were in favor. Among those who do not use cars, the result is the opposite: 53% in favor and 41% against.
The research also identified the most problematic areas of the city: Health has maintained first place since 2008, followed by education and public safety. Traffic and public transportation came in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Edited by: Talita Cavalcante