[sustran] Subway line in Sao Paulo, Brazil under threat

[Dal Maluf]

Dear friends,
 
Brazilian largest newspaper has announced the winners of the R$ 4 billion extension of line 5 of Sao Paulo’s Subway (R$ 5 billion or US$ 3 billion total contract) 6 months before the tender was even opened. 
 
The journalists recorded a video describing who would win each of the 7 parts of the bid to show that all companies have discussed and agreed on prices/results before the tender and he got it 100% right. If you are interested in this story, please take a look at the following link. Although it's in Portuguese, you might be able to understand the story.
 
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/820054-resultado-de-licitacao-do-metro-de-sao-paulo-ja-era-conhecido-seis-meses-antes.shtml 
 
São Paulo’s urban network is receiving the largest investiments in the recent years if the country. Around R$ 20 billion, or US$ 12 billion, for two 2 subways lines and the purchase and maintenance of trains and communication systems. However, many international experts have been criticing these approach because metrorail projects are recieving 95% of the investments, however, more than 75% of the passenger are still on the bus systems – Sao Paulo’s “open” BRT. 
 
Sao Paulo have many different transporation projects (specially BRTs) which haven't yet been done due to changes on the people that control transportation planning around the City/State, which means changing the agenda, priorities and solutions every 2 years.
 
Best,
Adalberto