Currently, São Paulo residents are fortunate to have free buses on Sundays. But have you ever imagined being able to use public transportation without paying anything every day, including on lines connecting São Paulo to cities in the metropolitan area?
It seems like a distant dream, but it may become a reality in the future. After all, a bill for universal zero fares for metropolitan intercity buses is currently being debated in the São Paulo State Legislative Assembly (Alesp), with the promise of total free travel within four years.
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Universal zero fare will be on the Assembly’s agenda in 2026
On October 28, 2025, State Representative Paula Nunes (PSOL) presented Bill 1172/2025, which creates the “State Program to Encourage the Use of Public Bus Transportation.” The proposal focuses on intercity vehicles that connect the capital to cities in Greater São Paulo, which are managed by the state.
The text suggests the implementation of zero fares on these buses, with the goal that, within four years, all passengers will be able to board at no cost. The bill provides for a gradual reduction in fares over this period, as well as the creation of external sources of funding to support the system.
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When will we have free buses in São Paulo?
According to Alesp, universal zero fares are among the topics for discussion in 2026. Bill 1172/2025 has not yet been voted on and is currently being reviewed by the Constitution, Justice, and Drafting; Transportation and Communications; and Finance, Budget, and Planning committees.
Although we do not yet have the exact date of the vote, the issue is already gaining momentum in the media and among the population. In the meantime, society must closely follow the Assembly’s discussions, which will determine whether the promise of free buses every day will become a reality or remain only in the imagination of São Paulo residents.
Photo: Drazen Zigic/Freepik