The bus companies operating public transportation in Campinas, São Paulo, have accumulated R$ 2.2 million in unpaid contractual fines, according to data obtained by G1 through Brazil's Access to Information Law. The fines have resulted from a total of 53 contractual infractions identified between 2021 and 2025. The total penalties amount to R$ 3,098,836.77, with R$ 873,000 already paid and the remaining R$ 2.22 million still outstanding. These fines are imposed when operators fail to adhere to the terms stipulated in their public transport concession contracts.

Wilson Folgosi de Brito, the contract manager at the Municipal Development Company of Campinas (Emdec), indicated that the delays in collecting these fines are attributed to the lengthy administrative process associated with enforcement. This process entails multiple stages and the involvement of various municipal departments, which can prolong the resolution and payment of fines. The significant backlog raises concerns about the accountability of the transportation companies and the overall management of public transport in the city.

The persistence of unpaid fines highlights issues within the public transport contractual agreements and governance in Campinas. With nearly two-thirds of the assessed penalties unpaid, there is a pressing need for more effective regulatory measures and possibly reforms in how such contracts are managed to ensure compliance. This situation not only affects the municipal budget but also raises questions about the quality and reliability of public transportation services in Campinas, directly impacting the daily commuters who rely on these services.