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Rio City Hall announces Metropolitan BRT for road integration with Baixada Fluminense
Published on 06/08/2025 - 12:13 | Updated on 07/08/2025 - 12:10
Illustration shows what the new terminal will look like Rio de Janeiro City Hall took another step toward positioning the city as a mobility hub with the creation of the Metropolitan BRT (BRT), which will integrate buses from Baixada Fluminense into the high-capacity transportation system. This Wednesday (August 06th), construction began on the Margaridas Terminal, located at the intersection of Presidente Dutra Highway and Avenida Brasil, near Irajá, and the creation of the Metropolitan Single Ticket (BUM) was announced.
The Margaridas Terminal will provide a smart, direct, and fast connection—reducing travel time by up to 50%—between Baixada Fluminense and the high-performance BRT system. The project includes the integration of municipal and intercity buses, as well as the BRT and VLT systems, with operations scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.
"With this new terminal, we're creating a connection between Baixada Fluminense and the efficiency of the BRT system. In six months, we'll have fully integrated residents of Rio and Baixada Fluminense, and Avenida Brasil will be free of so many stopping buses that add to the chaos on the expressway," said Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes.
Spanning over 63 square meters, the new terminal will offer a spacious, modern, and efficient structure designed to facilitate the comfortable and safe transportation of thousands of passengers daily, as well as accommodate buses from Baixada Fluminense. Every day, approximately 200 people travel to Rio's city center from the Presidente Dutra Highway on 34 intercity routes, with approximately 299 buses, paying fares ranging from R$11,15 to R$17,95. Many spend up to four hours a day commuting to and from work.
The Margaridas Terminal will be the arrival point for intercity buses, which will drop passengers directly off at the BRT system. This will provide a direct connection between Baixada Fluminense and the BRT. In this first phase, the municipalities of Belford Roxo, Japeri, Mesquita, Nilópolis, Nova Iguaçu, Paracambi, Queimados, and São João do Meriti will benefit.
From the terminal, passengers will follow an exclusive lane to the Center, with a connection at the Gentileza Intermodal Terminal, or to Barra da Tijuca, Recreio and Tom Jobim International Airport, via the Transolímpica and Transcarioca corridors.
– The Metropolitan BRT offers freedom of choice for passengers traveling in the metropolitan region, connecting them to all corners of Rio, from downtown to Barra da Tijuca, from the North Zone to the South Zone – stated Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.
More buses and a new integrated ticket – BUM
The Metropolitan BRT will expand the BRT fleet. Fifty new articulated buses have already been purchased for this specific service and to reinforce the BRT system. Additionally, the Metropolitan Single Ticket (BUM) will be introduced to allow residents of the metropolitan region to travel between municipalities by paying a single fare. The fare will be determined after negotiations with the state government and the municipal governments involved.
The creation of the Metropolitan BRT will provide greater agility for citizens, reducing travel time and providing the freedom to choose the best route to get to or from their destination, in addition to reducing the number of intercity buses that stop daily on Avenida Brasil by approximately 300.
"Everyone has seen the importance of the Transbrasil BRT system, which has saved enormous time for public transportation users who cross Avenida Brasil every day. And now, we're going to allow the integration of intercity buses with the BRT system, paying a single, cheaper fare," said Transportation Secretary Maína Celidonio.
A modern and efficient terminal
The plan includes the construction of a terminal for feeder buses and a 3,2-square-meter boarding platform, with exclusive access for the 478-square-meter BRT. Restrooms, a pedestrian walkway, accessible facilities, and a courtyard designed for efficient and organized operations will be provided.
"We're going to build the terminal for the BRT and feeder lines to integrate. We're also building the entire infrastructure that will allow for more comfortable operations for passengers," said Infrastructure Secretary Wanderson Santos.
The Margaridas Terminal will include a 1,2-square-meter garage for bus inspection and refueling, as well as a 750-square-meter wash facility. It joins a series of recent investments by Rio de Janeiro City Hall in public transportation restructuring and reinforces the positive impact of the BRT system's restructuring, with the delivery of new buses, the renovation of all stations, and the inauguration of the Transbrasil corridor, in addition to the Gentileza Terminal.
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