1. Running head: TRANSPORTATION 1
Transportation Brazilian Style
Zoe A. Blair
SCMA1003
August 29, 2013
Deloris Easley

2. Running head: TRANSPORTATION 2
In June 2013, the citizens of Brazil took their frustrations to the streets demanding
a change to way their government is ran. It is alleged that the protest came after a nine
cents increase to the transit systems. This increase only added to the deep grievance that
the citizens shared towards a government that is deemed corrupted and unfair. It is
estimated that commuters spend at least six hours of their day on the public transit system
due to high traffic. They also complain about the crowded trains and buses and that an
increase in fare without proper improvements is unwarranted (Castillo & Darlington,
2013).
In response to the tax hike backlash, President Dilma Rousseff announced that
three million dollars in federal money will be dedicated to speeding up the bus lanes to
lessen the commute time. She stated that it is unfair for commuters to spend a good
portion of their day stuck on a bus. With over fifty- five percent of the country’s
population depending on the public transit system to get around, this change will have
dramatic impact on their lives. The disagreement reaches far beyond just simple taxes and
commute time but the issues tend to aggravate an already struggling people living in
contested economic situations (Mercopress, 2013).
Poverty in Brazil is widespread so even a small increase in fare can be detrimental
to the populations’ economic situations. Some of the other concerns voiced were that
government was spending billions in preparations for the 2016 Olympics that could

3. Running head: TRANSPORTATION 3
otherwise go towards helping the citizens with better healthcare, educations and jobs. It is
important that President Dilma Rousseff follows through with her promised to better the
lives of her people.

4. Running head: TRANSPORTATION 4
References
Castillo, M., & Darlington, S. (2013, June 19). Brazilian protesters 'being heard,' president says. Retrieved
from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/americas/brazil-protests
Mercopress. (2013, August 2). Brazil's Rousseff announces billions to improve Sao Paulo transport
system. Retrieved from mercopress.com: http://en.mercopress.com/2013/08/02/brazil-s-
rousseff-announces-billions-to-improve-sao-paulo-transport-system