The judicial auction held on Tuesday to determine the new operator of the Supervia train system in Rio de Janeiro was marked by a lack of competition, as the Nova Via Mobilidade Consortium was the sole bidder. This consortium, previously engaged in train operations in São Paulo, offered a marginal discount of 0.06% on a contract estimated at R$ 660 million. The initial contract, set to last five years, will introduce a new remuneration model based on kilometers traveled, diverging from previous arrangements that involved different payment structures.

The transition to the Nova Via Mobilidade Consortium is part of a judicial recovery process for the Supervia system, emphasizing the need to stabilize and enhance train services amidst operational challenges. Following the signing of the contract, an assistance phase will take place over 90 days, during which both the current operator and the new consortium will collaborate to ensure a smooth transition. This period is critical for addressing immediate operational issues and for the new operator to acclimatize to the existing infrastructure and service protocols.

This shift in operators not only reflects the economic pressures and operational challenges faced by the Supervia but also sets a precedent for future public transport collaborations in Brazil, highlighting the rising interest of consortiums in managing transport systems under competitive yet controlled conditions. The outcome of this auction could influence how public-private partnerships are structured in the rail sector moving forward, emphasizing efficiency and operational accountability in transport services across the country.