A bus stop near Mangueirão stadium in Belém, Brazil is buzzing with conversations about the city’s public transportation system. As the Amazonian sun beats down, passengers eagerly await news of new buses that could soon transform their daily commute.
Among them is José Martin, a 26-year-old exchange student from Guinea, who recalls his first harrowing bus ride in Belém. He vividly describes the overcrowded, sweltering conditions that left him feeling ill. With temperatures soaring to 34 or 35 degrees Celsius during Amazonian summers, the lack of cooling systems on most of the city’s aging buses has been a longstanding issue.
Belém boasts a fleet of 870 public buses catering to approximately 470,000 passengers daily. However, complaints about uncomfortable seats and frequent breakdowns have plagued the service for years. The promise of an upgraded bus network gained momentum when plans to host the 2025 UN climate summit put a spotlight on improving transportation infrastructure.
“The first time I traveled by bus in Belém it was very difficult… It was so hot, I almost got sick.” – José Martin
In early July, five cutting-edge electric buses arrived in Belém as part of a pilot project aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and reducing emissions. These state-of-the-art vehicles with a range of 270 kilometers and capacity for 76 passengers were set to revolutionize public transport in the city. However, bureaucratic hurdles delayed their deployment as they became entangled in a political feud between Belém City Hall and local opposition forces.
Political scientist Eliene Silva highlighted potential tensions among authorities leading up to COP30 preparations.
The Municipal Audit Court (TCMPA) intervened by suspending the purchase contract for the initial batch of electric buses due to alleged flaws like overpricing and lack of planning. The ensuing controversy exposed deep-rooted political rivalries within Belém’s administrative circles. Accusations flew back and forth between different parties regarding ulterior motives behind blocking the procurement process.
Mayor Edmilson Rodrigues raised concerns about external influence on decisions impacting crucial projects like the electric bus acquisition through social media posts targeting opposing factions linked to key figures involved in COP30 mobilization efforts.
Amidst this backdrop of political intrigue and power struggles, expert analysis suggests that upcoming municipal elections could further complicate preparations for COP30 as candidates position themselves on environmental policies and sustainable development agendas.
Researcher Eliene Silva warned that political tensions may escalate with implications for COP30 arrangements.
As various stakeholders navigate complex dynamics surrounding public transport modernization initiatives ahead of hosting a globally significant climate event like COP30, residents like Izabela Souza continue enduring long commutes on outdated buses yearning for relief from stifling heat and inadequate seating options.
With promises of hundreds of new air-conditioned buses flooding Belém streets before COP30 kicks off, hopes are high that improved public transportation will not only enhance daily travel experiences but also signal Brazil’s commitment to sustainability goals amidst mounting global environmental challenges.
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