São Paulo Mayor Rejects Mototaxi Legalization Amidst Traffic Concerns

São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes firmly rejects the legalization of mototaxi services in the city, citing traffic congestion and safety concerns. In an interview on Jovem Pan's new show, 'Só Vale a Verdade,' Nunes stated, “O trânsito na cidade de São Paulo não comporta,” highlighting the strain on the city's infrastructure. The mayor's comments follow a reported 20% increase in motorcycle accident fatalities in 2024, a statistic he used to underscore his opposition. While proponents of mototaxis argue for increased mobility options, Nunes emphasizes the existing challenges of managing the city's already heavy traffic, involving 7 million vehicles and 1.3 million motorcycles. The interview also touched on the city's efforts to improve emergency response times, with Nunes mentioning an increase in SAMU ambulances and the reduction of response times. The discussion underscores the ongoing debate about balancing transportation needs and public safety in a major metropolis.