Protest Against Increased Bus Fare Has Confrontation and Vandalism in São Paulo

06/07/2013 - 07h39

In protest against the increase in fares for bus, subway and trains in São Paulo, protesters clashed with Military Police, blocked roads and engaged in vandalism on Thursday evening in the city center.

The act led to the closure of major roads in the middle of rush hour.

According to the Military Police, they set fire to wooden crates at three points, broke signposts, invaded the area of the Bandeira station, and defaced a bus.

The protesters are linked to the "Free Pass" movement, led by students and radical wings of leftist parties.

Gabriela Biló/Futura Press

Riots Over Increased Bus Fare in São Paulo

The act, says the MP, comprised around 2000 people - organizers spoke of 6000-.

They came out marching through downtown streets and scrawled on walls and bus stops on the way - with inscriptions like "R$3.20 does not work."

Mayor Fernando Haddad (PT) increased the bus fare from R$3 (US$ 1.41) to R$3.20 (US$ 1.51), last Sunday, June 2.

Trips by Metro and CPTM trains (Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos) were also adjusted by Governor Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB) - also from R$3 to R$3.20.

The fare increases of 6.7% were below the 15.5% inflation rate of the IPCA (official index, calculated by IBGE) accumulated since January 2011, date of the last adjustment.
p(tagline). Translated by DAVE WOLIN

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