In São Paulo and its Metropolitan Region, a wave of vandalism has sparked fear among passengers and drivers alike. Since June 12th, a staggering 544 buses have been targeted, with reports of passengers crouching in fear and drivers grappling to comprehend the source of the attacks. The chilling scenes captured on security footage depict a harrowing reality – one where a single stone could trigger a catastrophic accident, as shared by bus driver João Batista de Moraes.
“Se me pega uma pedra dessa, eu poderia ter causado um acidente maior, porque ia perder o controle do carro.”
However, the recent surge in incidents is not an isolated event. Videos from January suggest that the vandalism spree may have commenced earlier than the spike in June. An interviewed company revealed that as early as the beginning of the year, 37 buses had already fallen victim to such attacks. The financial toll is substantial, with Mauro Herszkowicz, president of the Federation of Passenger Transport Companies, highlighting that a single shattered window can cost around R$5,000, not to mention the additional losses incurred by taking the bus out of service.
“Um vidro pode custar cerca de R$ 5 mil, mas o maior prejuízo é retirar o ônibus fora de circulação. É o ônibus parado, é o prejuízo à população.”
As the police diligently pursue leads, three main lines of inquiry have emerged. These include the possibility of coordinated actions by criminal organizations, such as the PCC, attacks inspired by internet challenges, and even potential sabotage by companies that lost municipal contracts. Despite identifying a suspect and issuing an arrest warrant, the investigation is still in progress, with no definitive conclusions drawn.
“A investigação ainda não avançou o suficiente para confirmar ou excluir qualquer uma das possibilidades.”
One of the most severe incidents occurred on June 27th, resulting in a woman sustaining facial injuries from glass shards and requiring hospitalization. In response, law enforcement has intensified patrols in the city and its surrounding areas, mobilizing approximately 8,000 officers. While one individual was apprehended for pelting a bus with stones, fresh attacks continue to unfold, with 12 buses targeted over a weekend.
“A gente fica olhando todo o ponto antes de parar, ver se não tem alguém suspeito que possa vir fazer essas coisas. A gente não sabe, uma hora pode vir um estilhaço até você. Espero que isso se acabe logo,”
The atmosphere remains fraught with tension as passengers and drivers navigate their daily commutes in a state of heightened vigilance. The pervasive unease underscores the pressing need for swift resolution and a return to normalcy on the city’s bus routes. The ongoing turmoil serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by public transportation systems and the imperative of safeguarding both passengers and the essential services they rely on.
