The Government of São Paulo, through the Secretariat for Investment Partnerships (SPI), signed this week an amendment to the concession contract for lines 8–Diamante and 9–Esmeralda, operated by ViaMobilidade. The amendment provides for more than R$ 1 billion in investments to modernize the signaling system of both lines.
The funds include approximately R$ 179 million converted from contractual fines into direct improvements, R$ 364 million reallocated from other projects under the same concession, and R$ 590 million contributed via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“Our commitment is to increasingly modern, safe and efficient public transportation. By signing this amendment, we take an important step in turning failures into solutions, converting fines into real improvements for passengers. This is how we show that the Government of São Paulo stands with those who need it most: the citizens who rely on trains every day,” said Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.
The new system to be implemented is ETCS Level 2 (European Train Control System), an international standard used in Europe that enables real-time monitoring and greater integration between lines. With this technology, trains may, in the future, run across different lines — such as trains from Line 8 operating on Line 9 and vice versa.
Additionally, the connection will reduce peak-hour intervals to around three minutes, improving service for users of the system. The modernization will take place over four and a half years, with work beginning immediately after the service order is issued.
The adoption of ETCS, which uses TETRA digital radio communication, represents a significant advancement in safety and operational reliability, while also reducing train intervals. The system is compatible with existing infrastructure, allowing for a gradual transition without loss of previous investments.
This new standard is already planned for upcoming concession contracts, such as for lines 7, 11, 12 and 13. In the case of lines 8 and 9, the inclusion is being made through this contractual amendment.
The amendment also includes the preparation of a project to build a railway viaduct between CEASA station (Line 9) and Imperatriz Leopoldina station (Line 8), which will allow train circulation between the two lines in the direction of downtown São Paulo. The amendment further foresees expansions to Line 9 and new connections to Barueri.