The LRV system is changing people's lives in the Brazilian city of Santos

The Santos LRV system, which has been in operation since April 2015, links the main population centres of the island of São Vicente in Brazil and, with its more than 11.5 km of lines and ten stations between São Vicente and the port of Santos, has become a backbone of the local economy.

Situated just 70 km from São Paulo, the city of Santos has long been a key hub in Brazil as it hosts Latin America's largest and most important port. Among the oldest cities in the country, it was founded in 1546 and today is home to more than 400,000 people.

The city is a magnet for visitors from throughout the state of São Paulo who come to relax on its beaches. It is also the point of departure for numerous cruises so it is no surprise to see hordes of tourists visiting its historic centre, sampling traditional dishes in the city's eateries and watching football matches involving its famous club Santos, which has nurtured such Brazilian titans of the global game as Pelé and Neymar.

Visitors to this lovely coastal area of São Paulo on the island of São Vicente will also be struck today by the modern tramway which silently glides along tracks covered with grass and flanked by bicycle paths and pavements for pedestrians. In the vicinity of stations, passengers are alerted to the arrival of the tram by the ringing of a bell which calls to mind the trams of bygone eras.

Conversations with local residents reveal just how vital a part of the island's daily life the LRV system has become. The service has connected these two urban areas which are close in terms of distance but at the same time far removed because of the lack of connecting infrastructure. Today 14,000 passengers from different neighbourhoods and from all walks of life use this means of transport every day.

In the morning, there are many workers and students on board while during off-peak hours people use the tram to go shopping or simply to explore the local area. Passengers of all ages enjoy the lovely views through the windows or spend their trip reading. Meanwhile, the most inquisitive passengers make their way to the front of the tram to watch the driver in action in the cab. A tram driver who goes about their work with pride, aware of the important role played by the tram in this region in making life easier for their colleagues, neighbours and friends.

Around a year ago, keen to further improve performance, the operator of the LRV system, BR Mobilidade, decided to go the extra mile and acquired a driver training simulator from LANDER to ensure that the residents of the area can enjoy even safer and more comfortable journeys.

These equipment have been in use since April 2019 and here at LANDER we are proud to be part of this new chapter in the history of rail transport in São Paulo.

Boa viagem!

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