The Metrô de São Paulo began assisted operations on Thursday, June 2, 2024, opening six stations with free boarding [1].
This limited launch allows the city to integrate new transit infrastructure into the urban grid while the rest of the line remains under construction. By utilizing an assisted format, the operator can test systems and passenger flow before the project reaches full completion.
The current phase includes the stations of João Paulo I, Freguesia do Ó, Santa Marina, Água Branca, SESC-Pompéia, and Perdizes [1]. To manage the initial rollout, the metro is operating only between 10:00 and 15:00 [1]. All passengers using these stations during this phase are permitted free boarding [1].
The expansion is part of the larger Line 6-Laranja project, which is designed to span a total length of 15.3 km when fully completed [1]. The assisted operation serves as a bridge toward the wider availability of the network.
Timeline projections for the project have varied. Some reports indicated a target for the partial opening of the stretch from João Paulo I to Perdizes by the end of June 2024 [2]. Other projections suggested the full inauguration of the line would occur in October 2024 [3].
The current limited schedule ensures that construction activities can continue safely alongside active transit services. The Metrô de São Paulo is using this period to refine operations before the line opens to the general public for the full day.
“The Metrô de São Paulo began assisted operations on Thursday, June 2, 2024, opening six stations with free boarding.”
The shift to assisted operation represents a strategic phased rollout common in large-scale urban transit projects. By offering free boarding and limited hours, the São Paulo Metro can identify operational bottlenecks and safety concerns without the pressure of full-capacity crowds. This approach mitigates the risk of systemic failure during the final inauguration of the 15.3 km line.
