ECNETNews reports that the ride-hailing company 99 has launched a motorcycle ride-sharing service in São Paulo as of Tuesday, November 14, defying a city-wide ban in effect for two years.
The city’s mayor, Ricardo Nunes, responded strongly, labeling those behind the service as “killers.” He stated he has met with 99 representatives multiple times, reiterating that the company lacks authorization to operate motorcycle rides.
“We will not allow this company to come here and create carnage. They are killers,” declared the mayor. He warned that if a fatal accident occurs involving the mototáxi service, he would personally ensure a warning sign reads “99 killed this person” at the accident site.
“As mayor, I will put up that sign myself. This is not a lawless land,” he added.
In January 2023, following a similar announcement from another ride-hailing service, the city issued a decree indefinitely suspending motorcycle rides both facilitated by apps. A task force was formed to address the issue, involving company representatives, yet the prohibition remained intact after several meetings.
99 contends that the city’s prohibition violates the National Mobility Policy, enacted in 2018, which allows app-mediated individual passenger transport via motorcycles.
“The law stipulates that municipalities can regulate and oversee activities with specific requirements but cannot outright ban them,” the company stated. 99 references favorable court decisions and support from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding the service.
In a press release announcing the launch, 99 emphasized its commitment to safety, boasting more than 50 security features, including visual and audio speed alerts, governance against reckless driving, real-time monitoring of rides, an emergency button, and a 24-hour emergency response center.
Additionally, the company highlighted educational initiatives such as “online defensive driving training for partner motorcyclists” and “providing passengers with safety behavior tips and guidelines.” The motorcycle ride-sharing service is already operational in multiple municipalities within the São Paulo metropolitan area through both 99 and its competitors.
São Paulo has witnessed 935 traffic-related fatalities from January to November this year, averaging over two deaths per day, marking a nearly 13% increase.
Motorcyclists and their passengers represent the most significant percentage of traffic fatalities. According to data from Infosiga, the number of motorcyclist deaths surged from 318 to 384 from last year to 2023 during the same period.
Overall, 2,390 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic throughout the state, accounting for over 40% of total traffic deaths.
