Ufac Students Strike for 15 Days Amid Rio Branco Public Transport Crisis
Undergraduate students at the Federal University of Acre (Ufac) have been on strike for 15 days as of Monday, February 27th, protesting the ongoing public transportation crisis in Rio Branco. The Central Directorate of Students (DCE) states that the Municipal Superintendence of Transport and Traffic (RBTrans) has failed to meet the required fleet of 67 buses. The strike, initiated on July 15th after a meeting between the university rectorate, faculty, and student representatives, addresses the significant difficulties students face in reaching the campus. Rubisclei de Abreu, president of the DCE, confirmed that a student assembly voted to continue the strike, citing reports of a "giant evasion" of buses despite RBTrans's notification to Ufac about fleet numbers. On February 27th, RBTrans reported only 57 buses were operating in the capital, ten fewer than initially projected, with several lines experiencing significant reductions due to mechanical issues or insufficient vehicles. The DCE is awaiting official decisions from base entities and the Strike Command to determine the strike's end and the resumption of classes. Abreu emphasized that while the university has passed resolutions, student consensus for returning to classes hinges on the city fulfilling its minimum transportation commitments, which he believes are not being met based on student accounts. A judicial decision on February 20th mandated Rio Branco to urgently credential taxis and vans, ensure 19 available buses are operational, and restore a minimum fleet of 100 vehicles within five days, with a daily fine of R$10,000 for non-compliance. The court also required a 30-day contingency plan for public transport continuity. The city is also undergoing a transition to a new transport company, JTP Transportes, with a gradual integration period of up to 90 days, during which the previous operator, Ricco, continues services. The future fleet is planned to include 120 buses, with 60 being new and equipped with modern amenities.
The prolonged student strike at Ufac highlights a critical systemic failure in urban mobility infrastructure, directly impacting educational access. The discrepancy between official fleet numbers and student-reported service levels suggests potential governance gaps or data transparency issues within Rio Branco's public transport management. The judicial intervention, while providing immediate relief measures, underscores the urgency of sustainable, long-term solutions that address both operational capacity and regulatory oversight. Looking ahead, the integration of new technologies and fleet upgrades, as planned by the city, must be coupled with robust public accountability mechanisms to ensure consistent service delivery and prevent future disruptions. The situation prompts consideration of how municipal transport policies can better align with the needs of educational institutions and their student populations, particularly in the context of evolving urban dynamics and the increasing reliance on public services.
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