Protesters blocked access to the Parque Dom Pedro 2nd terminal in downtown São Paulo, slashing bus tires and attempting to prevent vehicles from leaving, as part of an organized protest against the current union leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
On the morning of Thursday, March 12, protesters gathered at the Parque Dom Pedro 2nd terminal in downtown São Paulo, blocking access and reportedly slashing the tires of at least one bus. Passengers reported that the demonstrators also demanded the bus drivers hand over the keys to the vehicles, aiming to prevent them from departing the area. This action draws attention due to the organized nature of the protest, as it is linked to a faction opposing the current leadership of the bus drivers' union (SindMotoristas).
The SindMotoristas union condemned the vandalism, issuing a statement that characterized the actions as attempts to disrupt the upcoming union elections scheduled for March 10 and 11. They described the acts as regrettable and a strategy directed at creating chaos within the electoral process. Municipal authorities, including the Municipal Secretary of Urban Mobility and Transport and SPTrans, also expressed their disapproval of the vandalistic behavior, which has disrupted public transport services.
In total, the protest has impacted 52 bus lines, significantly hindering mobility in the area. As local authorities responded, police were notified, and an official report was scheduled to be made. This situation raises concerns about public safety, the integrity of union elections, and the potential ramifications of such disruptive protests, particularly in a major urban hub like São Paulo.
