Rio Governor Blocks Metro Fare Hike, Keeps Ticket at R$7.90 for 2026

Overview

• The state regulator Agetransp had approved a 3.8% adjustment that would have raised the fare from R$7.90 to R$8.20 starting April 12.
• Cláudio Castro said the state will cover the difference this year and renew the R$5 social fare for eligible Bilhete Único Intermunicipal users.
• Agetransp urged broader subsidy solutions and technical studies, with a cited PUC‑Rio analysis estimating an annual cost of R$50.3 million versus the government's R$37 million projection.
• MetroRio says the increase follows the contractually defined 12‑month IPCA index and argues its required per‑passenger revenue is low because Rio provides fewer subsidies than other cities.
• Passengers report overcrowding, heat, long intervals and cleanliness issues, and the Rio metro remains the most expensive among Brazilian capitals even with the freeze.