Piracicaba School Transport Shift Sparks Evasion and Safety Concerns

Approximately 400 state school students in Piracicaba, São Paulo, will transition from contracted school bus services to public transport passes after their July vacation, starting July 24, 2026. This change affects students in grades 6-12, aged 12 and older, and is a result of revised criteria by the State Secretariat of Education (Seduc-SP), replacing a prior agreement between the state government and the Piracicaba municipality. The municipality reportedly attempted to maintain the previous system but was unsuccessful, with their role now limited to purchasing credits for the student passes from the transport company, Rápido Sumaré.

Concerns have been raised by the OAB Piracicaba's Children and Adolescents Rights Commission and parents regarding potential negative impacts on student performance, increased exposure to insecurity, and a heightened risk of school dropout. Legal experts note the change is formally legal under state education programs, provided students reside in urban areas with adequate public transport coverage. However, they caution that applying this to students in rural or underserved areas could violate child protection statutes. The lack of a maturity assessment for younger students using public transport independently is a significant point of concern, as this age group is considered to be in a transitional phase requiring more support. Parents are advised to document any negative impacts and consider collective action through the Public Prosecutor's Office if issues arise. There is no automatic free pass for accompanying adults.