'Transport should be treated as a social right - we are campaigning for a free pass for all'

Brazil's protest movement to fight on for free public transport

 

 Brazilian protests continue to grow

 Agence France-Presse report. 24 June 2013

A movement for free public transport that helped sparked Brazil's nationwide street protests said Monday it was open to dialogue with the government but vowed to continue its struggle.

"The struggle does not stop. The struggle for free transport continues," said Free Pass Movement (MPL) representative Mayara Longo Vivian after meeting with President Dilma Rousseff.
Earlier, in an open letter to Rousseff posted on its website, the MPL's Sao Paulo branch said: "Transport should be treated as a social right... We are campaigning for a free pass for all."

While state governors have pledged to give priority to mass transport, MPL alleged "Brazil invests 11 times more in individual transport, through road works and credit policies aimed at encouring car purchases.

"Public money should be invested in public transport. Transport can only be really public if it is accessible to all," the group added.

MPL spearheaded the campaign that led authorities in several Brazilian cities, including Sao Paulo and Rio, to cancel mass transit fare increases.

The protests coincide with the Confederations Cup tournament being held in six Brazilian host cities as a dry run for next year's football World Cup.