On November 11, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) approved a bill that expands the existing provisions for women-only train and metro carriages to cover the entire operational hours of these transport systems. Currently, these exclusive carriages are only available during peak hours on weekdays, specifically from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM. The new legislation aims to enhance the safety and comfort of female commuters by making the exclusive zones available around the clock.

The proposed law amends a previous state law that introduced women-only carriages in Rio back in 2006, reflecting ongoing concerns over safety and harassment on public transport. The bill must still be sanctioned or vetoed by Governor Cláudio Castro, who has a period of up to 15 working days to make his decision. This move signifies a legislative response to growing demands for improved safety measures for women using public transport in Rio de Janeiro.

Despite the existence of these exclusive carriages, incidents of disrespect and harassment have been reported. An example occurred in October of the previous year when two men were filmed verbally and physically harassing women in a female-only carriage, illustrating the ongoing challenges that women face even in spaces designated for their protection. This legislation could be seen as a significant step toward addressing these issues, although its effectiveness will depend partly on enforcement and public compliance.