Salvador's Light Rail Transit (VLT) offers free rides Saturdays, extends weekday hours
The Light Rail Transit (VLT) system in Salvador, Brazil, is expanding its assisted operation hours, offering free rides on Saturdays in addition to weekdays. The service, which began in late June, will now run from 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays, with specific dates set for July 18, August 1, 15, and 29. Weekday operating hours are also being extended by one hour, from 8 AM to 4 PM to 7 AM to 4 PM, starting Monday, July 20. The current VLT route connects the Calçada Station in the Lower City to the Lobato neighborhood in the Suburb, with stops at Baixa do Fiscal, Santa Luzia, Pedreira, and Voluntários da Pátria. Full operation of the VLT, intended to link Salvador with Simões Filho in the metropolitan region, is slated for 2028. This new system replaces the old suburban train service, which operated for 160 years before closing in February 2021, carrying 7,000 daily passengers at a R$0.50 fare. The VLT's construction faced delays after the Bahia government terminated a contract with Chinese concessionaire Skyrail in 2023. Following a new bidding process, construction began in 2024, with the project divided into consortium-managed lots. The civil works and energy system are estimated at R$3.2 billion, including the duplication of 7.5 km of the BA-528 highway and the implementation of a 7.1 km feeder line. The project also involves the recovery of an old factory building and public lighting upgrades. Future VLT features will include free Wi-Fi, automatic turnstiles, metro integration, and AI-powered cameras.
The expansion of free rides and extended hours for Salvador's VLT during its assisted operation phase aims to encourage public adoption and gather user feedback. This strategy acknowledges the significant investment of R$3.2 billion and the long development timeline, including the shift from a previous concessionaire. By offering free access, authorities are mitigating initial user cost barriers, a critical step for a system replacing a long-standing, low-fare service. The VLT's eventual connection to Simões Filho and its modern features signal a long-term vision for integrated urban mobility, addressing the evolving needs of a growing metropolitan area in the coming decade. The success of this transition will hinge on sustained public trust, efficient operational management, and seamless integration with existing transport networks.
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