Rules for using the Brasília metro
Every day, around 140 people travel through the 24 stations of the Federal District Metropolitan Company (Metrô-DF); the intense flow, especially during peak hours, requires a set of rules to be respected to ensure the well-being of those who use the city's rail transport; most of these rules are part of Decree No. 26.516, of December 30, 2005, which regulates, among other things, the consumption of food on platforms and trains, the limit on the size of objects that can be carried on trips, and even how many bicycles are allowed.
Mariana Damaceno, from Agência Brasília - Every day, around 140,000 people travel through the 24 stations of the Federal District Metropolitan Company (Metrô-DF). The intense flow, especially during peak hours (from 6:00 AM to 8:45 AM and from 4:45 PM to 8:15 PM), requires a set of rules to be respected in order to guarantee the well-being of those who use the city's rail transport.
Most of these rules are part of Decree No. 26.516, of December 30, 2005, which regulates, among other things, the consumption of food on platforms and trains, the size limit of objects that can be carried on trips, and even how many bicycles are allowed. According to the head of the Metro Stations Division, Vitor Mafra, all of this has one purpose: to maintain cleanliness and order in common areas.
The dimensions of the objects must not exceed 1,5 meters in height, 60 centimeters in width, and 40 centimeters in depth. "This volume is a reference, as employees do not measure the material," Mafra points out. Anything that requires more than one person to transport it or that hinders the flow is not allowed. "Basically, anything that poses a risk or causes inconvenience is prohibited."
Regarding safety, the transport of acids or flammable materials and the use of skateboards, roller skates, and scooters inside trains and stations are prohibited. Bringing them on board is, of course, allowed, but the company requests that, if possible, they be packed away.
Bichos
Pets are another special case on the Brasília metro. Any pet, even a docile one or a puppy, is not allowed on the platforms or trains. There is, however, one exception: guide dogs. "With this measure, we avoid infringing on the right of others to feel threatened or uncomfortable by sharing the same space with an animal," points out Vitor Mafra.
One simple measure that also needs to be remembered is the consumption of food. Drinking beverages, snacking, or even eating meals from the turnstiles into the stations is not allowed, nor is smoking, walking around shirtless, or being intoxicated. The use of sound devices (such as speakers, cell phones with music, and radios) without headphones and musical instruments—for the same reason of not disturbing others—is prohibited unless prior authorization is obtained from the company. However, it is possible to carry these items, provided they are switched off and within the specified volume.
Bikes
In 2012, a decree was published regulating Law No. 4.216, of October 6, 2008, which allows the transport of bicycles or similar vehicles—a practice that has increased in recent years with the construction of bike lanes and cycle paths in the Plano Piloto (the planned city center of Brasília). Bicycles must always occupy the last car of the train, with a limit of five. To guide passengers, panels are installed on the platforms and inside the vehicles explaining the correct practice.
The first seat after the driver's cabin is for the exclusive use of women and people with disabilities. Men are prohibited from entering it. This measure is valid during peak hours and does not apply on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The car is marked with an indicative sticker.
Inspection
Enforcement of regulations is carried out by the company's operational security team, which consists of approximately 150 professionals. They are responsible for all actions that directly or indirectly affect safety on the subway.
Nearly 300 video cameras are spread throughout all stations, helping employees to curb any irregular behavior. "Sometimes we manage to detect someone breaking the rules at one station and approach them on the next platform," says the head of the Metro Stations Division.
For almost six months, the company has adopted a new tool for integrating with the public, which has been helping in the monitoring process. Passengers can send a message via WhatsApp to the number (61) 9277-5011, with suggestions, complaints and questions about the service. The channel is controlled by the company's ombudsman.
The Metro stations operate from Monday to Saturday, from 6:30 am to 23:30 pm, and on Sundays and holidays, from 7 am to 19 pm. A guide with more information is available on the company's website.