Extended Service Begins
The São Paulo Metro has commenced a three-month experimental program, extending its operating hours to 24 hours on weekends for four of its core lines. Starting this Saturday, December 6th, and continuing until February 2026, the service will run continuously from Saturday into Sunday mornings. This initiative by the state government targets night workers and aims to bolster the city's vibrant nightlife economy.
Lines and Operational Details
The extended service applies to Lines 1-Blue, 2-Green, 3-Red, and 15-Silver, all directly operated by the state-owned Metrô company. During the overnight period, specifically between 0:00 and 4:40 AM, trains will operate with intervals ranging from 20 to 30 minutes.
- Line 2-Green: Certain sections, namely between Vila Madalena–Clínicas and Sacomã–Vila Prudente, will operate on a single track to allow for ongoing maintenance.
- Line 15-Silver: For the initial weekend, service on this monorail line will be provided by free substitute buses under the PAESE system, due to testing of new trains.
Ticketing and Integration
During the overnight hours, ticket offices will remain closed. Passengers are encouraged to use alternative payment methods, including:
- Cards
- Digital wallets (such as Google Wallet and WhatsApp)
- Contactless payments using physical credit and debit cards. This option is currently available on Lines 1-Blue and 3-Red, with plans to extend it to Lines 2-Green and 15-Silver throughout December.
It is important to note that there will be no integration with privately operated metro lines (Lines 4-Yellow and 5-Lilac) or the regional CPTM rail network during the extended overnight service. These lines will maintain their regular operating hours.
Purpose of the Pilot Program
The primary objective of this three-month pilot is to evaluate the demand and costs associated with 24-hour weekend metro service. The Metrô company aims to assess the technical and operational feasibility of such an expansion, addressing a long-standing demand from both residents and tourists who seek improved mobility options during the city's nocturnal hours. The findings from this experimental phase will inform future decisions regarding a potential permanent implementation of extended metro services.
6 Comments
Coccinella
Single track and substitute buses? Sounds like more trouble.
Muchacho
No integration? That's a huge flaw for many commuters.
Habibi
It's good they're testing 24-hour service for nightlife and workers, but the lack of integration with other key lines significantly limits its reach for many.
Donatello
About time São Paulo caught up. This will boost the economy.
Muchacha
While the extended hours are a positive step for urban mobility, the initial use of substitute buses and single-track operation on some lines raises concerns about reliability and convenience during the trial.
Habibi
The move to digital payments is progressive, yet closing ticket offices might exclude some demographics who rely on cash or lack access to these technologies, creating a barrier for certain users.