The Brazilian Urban Bus Industry: Present Challenges and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is the description and understanding of the present crisis in the Brazilian urban bus sector and to point out new perspectives for the development of this industry. At the beginning, the present structure of the industry as well its modernisation and concentration level is explained. A further section deals with the challenges this industry is now facing, especially due to the rapid motorization the country is now undergoing as well to the invasion of the transport market by illegal operators, and the reaction the regular operators are offering to these challenges. Following this, the new legislation on public procurement procedures for administrative and concessions contracts is presented, which will oblige that these contract are preceded by competitive bidding procedures. On the ground of this analysis, the perspectives for the further development of the urban bus industry are discussed.