Niterói Light Rail: Brazil’s PAC Seleções Project Approved

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Introduction

Brazil’s Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, approved the Niterói light rail project on August 27th, with BRL 450 million (USD 83.4 million) in guaranteed funding under the Federal Government’s “PAC Seleções” programme.

Project Approval and Funding

During a meeting with the Mayor of Niterói, Rodrigo Neves, the project was approved. The allocated BRL 450 million (USD 83.4 million) will fund the construction work. Mayor Rodrigo Neves stated that the project will enhance mobility, reduce traffic, and improve the quality of life for Niterói residents.

Project Scope and Benefits

The Niterói light rail project encompasses a 5 km line featuring ten stops. It will connect Barreto to the city center, serving the neighborhoods of Barreto, Engenhoca, Santana, São Lourenço, and Central Niterói. The project aims to transform urban transport, improve the quality of life in the northern zone of Niterói, and create an interchange station while reducing the number of buses entering Niterói from neighboring cities.

Pre-Feasibility Study and Technical Analysis

A pre-feasibility study was conducted in 2018 by a consortium comprising Egis Rail, Egis Engenharia e Consultoria, and Sinergia. This study, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and CODATU, included a demand study, route and mode of transport identification, and an economic, technical, and institutional analysis. CODATU supported the Municipality of Niteroi in the follow-up of this study.

Feasibility and Procurement

The technical, economic, and environmental feasibility study was financed by a FASEP (Fund for Studies and Assistance to the Private Sector) from the French government and managed by CAF. The study concluded that a tram is the most suitable mode for the demand of 5,700 passengers per hour per day. The call for tenders took place in August 2020, with the winning consortium led by the DVDH consulting firm, associated with SCE, Transamo, Richez_Associés and independent Brazilian consultants.

Conclusion

The Niterói light rail project has been approved with BRL 450 million (USD 83.4 million) in funding under the “PAC Seleções” program. The project involves a 5 km line with ten stops and is expected to improve urban transport and quality of life. A pre-feasibility study was conducted in 2018, and the feasibility study was financed by FASEP, with the tender for the project taking place in August 2020.

Company Summary

Egis Rail: A company involved in the pre-feasibility study for the Niterói light rail project.

Egis Engenharia e Consultoria: Part of the consortium that conducted the pre-feasibility study for the Niterói light rail project.

Sinergia: A member of the consortium that carried out the pre-feasibility study for the Niterói light rail project.

DVDH: The consulting firm leading the winning consortium for the Niterói light rail project.

SCE: Associated with the DVDH-led consortium for the Niterói light rail project.

Transamo: An associated partner in the consortium led by DVDH for the Niterói light rail project.

Richez_Associés: A partner in the consortium led by DVDH for the Niterói light rail project.

CAF: Managed the feasibility study for the Niterói light rail project, which was financed by FASEP.

CODATU: Provided support to the Municipality of Niteroi in the follow-up of this study.

AFD: Provided support for the pre-feasibility study.

Technology

FASEP (Fund for Studies and Assistance to the Private Sector): A fund from the French government that financed the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility study of the Niteroi light rail project.

PAC Seleções: The Federal Government’s program under which the Niterói light rail project was approved.

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