On Thursday, February 26, 2026, São Paulo achieved an alarming new peak in traffic congestion, marking 1,313 kilometers of traffic jams according to the city’s Traffic Engineering Company (CET). This figure surpassed the previous day’s record of 1,149 kilometers, signaling a serious and ongoing traffic crisis in the city. The dramatic increase in congestion is alarming to residents and commuters alike, indicating potential issues in urban planning and transportation infrastructure.

The context of this congestion crisis lies in São Paulo's historical traffic patterns, where the city has frequently faced enormous traffic issues, especially during adverse weather conditions. Last year, a day of heavy rain and bus strikes resulted in an unprecedented 1,486 kilometers of congestion. However, the ongoing figures represent the city's struggle to manage its traffic effectively, leading to frustrations that can adversely affect economic activities and overall quality of life in the metropolis.

As the city continues to grapple with its traffic woes, the historical record remains distant: 1,902 kilometers of congestion on September 5, 2019, poses a looming benchmark. The consistent pattern of increased congestion highlights the urgent need for effective traffic management solutions and infrastructure improvements, focusing on easing the daily commute for millions of residents in São Paulo.