Brazil has been promised almost $25 billion for public transport, after widespread protests
June 25, 2013
Brazil has been promised 50 billion reais (AU$24.23 billion) for public transport, after 1.2 million people took to the streets in protest recently.
Aljazeera reports Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has proposed to set aside the funding for public transport,
following nationwide street protest.
Public transport fare increases first sparked Brazil’s unrest, which snowballed, leading to widespread violence and vandalism.
Two women involved in a small protest in Cristalina died on Monday, bringing to four the death toll in two weeks of protest.
More than 30 people were also hurt during clashes with police on Saturday.
The protest, which reportedly began on June 11 in Sao Paulo against a rise in public transport fares, involved more than 300,000 in Rio de Janeiro (pictured) alone.
Brazil has since been assured taxes on public transportation costs will be cut.
The government has also attempted to quell public discontent regarding alleged corruption.
But a public transport revamp has been declared a priority.
The Free Pass Movement (MPL) group has been driving the public transport agenda.