The municipal government of Maricá, located in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, has introduced a new safety feature on its renowned 'Vermelhinhos' buses. This innovation involves a panic button that is operated through an application, allowing bus drivers to connect directly with the Integrated Center for Public Security Operations (Ciosp). This system is now active across every bus in the fleet, aimed at enhancing response times during incidents of violence, sexual harassment, theft, vandalism, or any situation that requires an immediate reaction from security forces.

According to Julio Veras, the Secretary of Citizen Security, this new measure signifies a forward step in the public transport monitoring efforts within Maricá. He emphasized that the city is taking a pioneering role in implementing this technology. In his statements, Veras noted that when the panic button is activated, the system sends an alert complete with the exact location of the bus, facilitating quicker intervention by security teams. This prompt communication could potentially save lives and prevent serious incidents from escalating.

The introduction of the panic button is part of a broader strategy to improve safety standards in public transport in Maricá. As the city continues to innovate and adopt advanced safety measures, this initiative could serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar issues with public transport safety. The success of the program may also lead to discussions about expanding such technology elsewhere, thereby enhancing the overall security of urban transportation systems in Brazil and beyond.