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Rio de Janeiro’s train system is set for a major overhaul as the Nova Via Mobilidade consortium has been selected to replace SuperVia as the operator of the city’s metropolitan rail network. The move, finalized on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by the 6th Business Court of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice, marks a significant shift in the management of the 300,000 daily commuters who rely on the system.
Nova Via Mobilidade was the sole bidder in the judicial auction, and its proposal was approved. The consortium is comprised of Nova Via Fund of Investment in Multistrategy Participations and Magna Fund of Investment and Multistrategy Participations. The selection comes after SuperVia, which has operated the network since 1998, faced financial difficulties, including a 2021 request for judicial recovery due to debts exceeding $1.2 billion. An agreement was reached between the state government and SuperVia on November 26, 2024, to facilitate the transfer of the concession.
The contract, estimated at 660 million reais (approximately $132 million USD), will run for five years with the possibility of a five-year extension. A key change in the novel agreement is the shift in the revenue model. Instead of being paid per passenger, Nova Via Mobilidade will receive compensation based on kilometers traveled – 17.60 reais per car/kilometer, representing a 0.06% discount from the initial tariff set by the state. This change aims to ensure consistent service regardless of ridership numbers.
To carry out the operational aspects of the service, Nova Via Mobilidade will subcontract with Barraqueiro, a Portuguese transportation company and the largest private operator in Portugal, with existing operations in Angola and Brazil. MPE Engenharia, a firm specializing in metro and rail engineering and maintenance, will also be brought on to assist with the operational transition.
“We are grouping experience in the operation of rail transport,” officials stated, highlighting the expertise Barraqueiro brings to the project. The consortium’s selection underscores a growing trend toward private sector involvement in Brazil’s public transportation infrastructure.
The rail network includes five lines and three extensions, spanning 270 kilometers of track. It’s important to note that this Nova Via Mobilidade consortium is distinct from ViaMobilidade, the operator of train and metro lines in São Paulo, which is owned by Grupo Motiva and RuasInvest.
