Free public transport guaranteed for Brazil's presidential runoff on Sunday

More than 158.7 million Brazilian voters will go to the polls on Sunday, October 25, to decide who will lead the country from 2027 to 2030. A runoff will also decide state governments in Acre, Amazonas, Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Norte, Tocantins, and the Federal District.

Municipal and state governments must provide free collective public transport throughout election day. The Supreme Federal Court established this obligation in October 2023, and the Superior Electoral Court detailed it in Resolution No. 23,751.

“The free offer of urban and intermunicipal collective public transport on voting days is mandatory and the responsibility of the Public Power.”

The free service covers urban and intermunicipal transport, including road, metropolitan, and water routes. Concessionaire companies must operate with fleet capacity similar to normal weekdays, and unjustified service reductions may constitute an electoral crime.

Candidates, parties, federations, coalitions, and any other person are strictly prohibited from providing private transport, chartered transport, or meals to voters. Most states and municipalities require voters to present their voter ID and an official identification document.

On return trips, some states may also request proof of voting. Citizens can report violations or service interruptions to the Public Ministry through the Pardal app, available for iOS and Android.

Authorities must inform electoral justice in advance about fleet planning, routes, schedules, and transport modalities.